Test Code LEGI Legionella Culture, Varies
Reporting Name
Legionella CultureUseful For
Diagnosis of Legionnaires disease
Because examination by rapid PCR increases sensitivity and provides faster results, Mayo Clinic Laboratories strongly recommends also ordering LEGRP / Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
VariesAdditional Testing Requirements
Because examination by rapid PCR increases sensitivity and provides faster results, it is strongly recommended to also order LEGRP / Legionella species, Molecular Detection, PCR.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Bronchial washing, bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchus fluid, chest fluid, chest tube drainage, empyema, endotracheal specimen, fresh lung tissue, heart valves, induced sputum, lingula (lung), lung biopsy, pericardial fluid or tissue, pleura, pleural fluid, protected catheter brush, sputum, thoracentesis fluid, tracheal secretion, transbronchial biopsy, or transtracheal aspirate
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Specimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed and charged.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
Reference Values
No growth
Identification of Legionella species.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87081-Legionella culture
87077-Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec (if appropriate)
87153-Aerobe ident by sequencing (if appropriate)
87176-Tissue processing (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
LEGI | Legionella Culture | 593-4 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
LEGI | Legionella Culture | 593-4 |
Clinical Reference
1. Edelstein PH. Manual of Clinical Microbiology. 12th edition. Edited by KC Carroll and MA Pfaller. Washington DC: ASM Press; 2019. Chapter 51, Legionella; p. 905-920
2. CLSI. Interpretive Criteria for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi by Targeted DNA Sequencing. Second edition. CLSI Guideline MM18. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2018
3. Rucinski S, Murphy M, Kies K, et al: Eight Years of Clinical Legionella PCR Testing Illustrates a Seasonal Pattern. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2018 July 13;(218)(4):669-670 doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiy201
Method Description
Specimens are cultured on buffered charcoal-yeast extract based media (BCYE). Colonies may appear within a few days; however, cultures are incubated for 7 days before issuing a negative report. Positive specimens will be identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization – time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and/or 16S rRNA gene sequencing.(Edelstein PH: Improved semi-selective medium for isolation of Legionella pneumophila from contaminated clinical and environmental specimens. J Clin Microbiol 1981;14:298-303; CLSI. Interpretive Criteria for Identification of Bacteria and Fungi by Targeted DNA Sequencing. Second edition. CLSI Guideline MM18. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2018)
Analytic Time
7 daysReject Due To
Other | Frozen specimen |
Method Name
Conventional Culture Technique
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
RMALD | Ident by MALDI-TOF mass spec | No, (Bill Only) | No |
ISAE | Aerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (Bill Only) | No |