18-22: Strategies for Reducing Uncertainty in Legionella Analysis

The accuracy and efficacy of Legionella testing is affected by various factors that can increase measurement uncertainty. Such factors include interference from non-Legionella organisms, subjective interpretation of test results, and differential performance of agar media, among others. Examples of these effects will be discussed in relation to strategies for minimizing uncertainty. Legiolert, a new culture-based method for detection of Legionella pneumophila, provides an alternate approach to reducing measurement uncertainty. A comparison of Legiolert with conventional culture methods will be presented with a specific focus on the challenges associated with testing nonpotable water from cooling towers and related sources.