Testing for Legionella is extremely important – on the one hand, the bacterium has a high potential for occurrence, on the other hand, its colonies are very dangerous to human health and even life. Therefore, water analyses for Legionella are strictly regulated by law, both in terms of how the test is carried out and how often it is performed.
Bacteria of this kind develop primarily in warm water, they “feel” best when it reaches from 25 to 45 degrees. Optimum is 38 degrees. Higher temperatures (from about 70 degrees kill it).
Colonies of Legionella may develop in various types of water and air conditioning installations, cooling systems, in fittings (also in hot and cold water taps, showers, etc.), in water reservoirs (including swimming pools and paddling pools), in drinking water, in medical devices (e.g. inhalers), in water massage devices and in many other, having direct contact with water (especially – warm water).
Contact with the bacterium can result in severe diseases, especially Legionnaires’ disease, but also other respiratory diseases with a severe course. Microbiological tests for Legionella are obligatory – we perform them in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 29 March 2007 on the quality of water intended for human consumption, in force since 1 January 2008.
This test can detect bacterial bacilli and prevent their multiplication – provided it is performed correctly. Samples must be taken at appropriate points (e.g. at the supply section of water main and the furthest section of installation and from those points where water “returns”).
We perform a full range of water testing for Legionella.
Only when you have a concrete answer as to whether and, if so, how many bacteria are present in a sample, can you decide on the optimal method for treating the water. This can include chlorination, removal of
Legionella using hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, etc.
Our offer of microbiological tests for Legionella is addressed to all interested entities, including: hospitals, sanatoriums and other medical institutions, school establishments, hotel and tourism industry (hotels, guesthouses, campsites), managers of aquaparks, swimming pools, SPA centers, etc.
Depending on which entity commissions the tests, they are performed in accordance with specific guidelines (often regulated directly by the provisions of the aforementioned regulation – e.g. in the case of hotel facilities it is necessary to perform an analysis on the basis of samples taken from at least three points).
