EMSL Microbiologists Contribute to the Evaluation of Legiolert

EMSL’s Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences, Jason Dobranic, Ph.D. and EMSL’s National Bacteriology Program Manager, Melanie Rech, M.B.A., MT (ASCP), were recently published for their work on evaluating IDEXX’s new culture method, Legiolert. This culturing method is used for the quantification of Legionella pneumophila, which is the primary species associated with Legionnaires’ disease. The test is based on a most probable number approach, and differs significantly from traditional culture methods by providing results at seven days, rapid sample preparation and analysis, and objective interpretation of test results.

Dr. Dobranic and Melanie, along with IDEXX’s Brian Swalla, compared Legiolert’s performance against the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) method for detection of L. pneumophila from non-potable samples, primarily comprising cooling tower waters. Their results demonstrated that there was not a significant difference between the two methods; however Legiolert showed significant increases in sensitivity when water samples containing higher L. pneumophila concentrations were examined. They also found Legiolert to be resistant to non-Legionella organisms (NLO) interference and produce a very low rate of false-positive results compared to the CDC’s method.

“We are very proud of Dr. Dobranic and Ms. Rech’s discoveries and the overall dedication of our microbiology department at EMSL,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our microbiology departments impressive accomplishments are a tribute to our dedicated staff that works to provide high-quality data for clients while providing breakthrough information to help the overall industry. Legiolert is a great addition to our Legionella capabilities.”

The research article, Evaluation of Legiolert for Quantification of Legionella pneumophila from Non-potable Water, was published in the July 2018 edition of Current Microbiology. To view the full article, please click here.

For a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. For more information about EMSL’s testing services, please call our Customer Service Center at (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail