Test Directory

his assay can be used to identify exposure to Legionella pneumophila but serological testing is not recommended for diagnosis of Legionella infection. This assay does not differentiate between previous exposure/infection and current infection. Per current recommendations, culture of lower respiratory secretions and/or the Legionella urinary antigen test should be used for diagnosis of infection with Legionella.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.4 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells.
2. Transfer 0.4 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

• Hemolysis
• Lipemia
• Gross bacterial contamination

See patient report.

This assay detects antibodies against L. pneumophila serogroups 1 through 6. It does not detect non-pneumophila, or atypical, Legionella species. This assay cannot differentiate between previous exposure/infection and current infection. A diagnosis should be made on the basis of Legionella serology results alone; test results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other diagnostic procedures.

Serological testing is not recommended for diagnosis. Per current recommendations, culture of lower respiratory secretions and/or the Legionella urinary test should be used for diagnosis of infection with Legionella.

• Legionella pneumophila Antibody