For suspected Legionella infection, send urine for Legionella antigen testing.
Culture of Sputum / BAL for Legionella can be done but has low sensitivity, particularly after antibiotics.
For guidance on hospital management of community acquired pneumonia, see
Sample type
Antigen testing:
Urine
Culture:
- Sputum
- BAL
- Transbronchial biopsy
- Pleural biopsy
- TBNA
Specimen requirements
Send in a sterile universal container
Minimum volume
0.5ml
Frequency of test
Daily
Turnaround time
Legionella antigen - <24 hours
Legionella culture - 11 days
What to request on EPR
Legionella Ag, urine; Legionella MCS
