Qualified CMS Laboratory for Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, Long Term Care Facilities, and Commercial Facilities

Accreditations: – CDC ELITE Laboratory #5001635   – New York State Department of Health ELAP Approved Laboratory #12050

Photo Credit: CDC/Janice Haney Carr

Our goal is to detect Legionella bacteria at the source swiftly, therefore empowering our clients to implement corrective action measures to ensure occupants and the general public are safe from infection.

Culture Isolation & Analysis

Assured Bio operates under ISO 11731 for Legionella isolation from water sources (7-14 day turnaround time). We maintain CDC ELITE Proficiency (#5001635) , AIHA-LAP, LLC accreditation (Lab ID# 183867) (10-14 day turnaround time), and New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Approval Program ELAP ID# 12050.

In order to isolate Legionella we use 22 mm, 0.2 µm pore size, poly-carbonate filters inside stainless steel housing to concentrate each sample. Once concentrated, the sample is diluted with remaining sample water and applied to media (BCYE (Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract) with appropriate supplementation) for culture. BCYE is the agar of choice for legionella isolation because the legionellaceae organism is nutritionally fastidious, drawing energy from amino acids rather than carbohydrates. Once the plates of contaminated media are prepared, they will undergo an incubation period. Incubation creates an environment in which the organism will thrive, producing an identifiable sample. 

Additional Legionella Testing:

Assured Bio also offers advanced PCR analysis upon request.

Customized Water Management Plan

Long Term Care facilities that conduct Legionella testing with Assured Bio Labs are eligible to receive a complimentary water management plan. Once your facility has received its scheduled testing date, you will be sent your new water management plan along with your bottles to send your samples in. Our customized water management plan extends to in-depth knowledge of all Legionella regulations and guidance in accordance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We work closely with hospitals and Long Term Care facilities to ensure they have all protocols and documents in place to meet CMS regulations in their facilities.  We understand that CMS regulations may be confusing at first.  Assured Bio will ensure that your facility is on the correct path, and following CMS regulations as outlined in ASHRAE standards and the CDC toolkit. Vigilant testing allows facility managers to correct problems quickly, thereby mitigating risk to building occupants and the public. The cost of litigation and health care associated with infection is orders of magnitude greater than preventive testing. We are experts in testing and Dr. Sobek, our founder, is a microbial contamination expert and experienced in Legionella bacteria investigations. Accordingly, our clients receive the highest quality service backed by leading edge science.

Order your kits online

How to collect samples:

The CDC recommends at least 250 ml of non-potable water or 1 liter of potable water be sent in for analysis. Samples should be insulated to protect from extreme temperatures and sent overnight to the laboratory.

Air monitoring is now available for Legionella bacteria detection using the state-of-the-art M-TRAP® air sampling cassette. It works with standard pumps at a sampling rate of 15 liters per minute for at least 10 minutes. Longer sampling times up to 24 hours will not overload the cassette. We also offer passive WindTrap™ samplers that can be placed in strategic places near cooling towers to determine if Legionella is becoming aerosolized and spreading in the vicinity of your building. Read more about CDC/NIOSH testing of the M-TRAP® for Legionella bacteria here: Legionella Efficacy Testing with M-TRAP® Cassette or learn how to use the M-TRAP® here: M-TRAP® Cassette.

For fast Legionella testing, contact Assured Bio today. Fill out this form or call toll-free at 1-866-547-1727

Testimonials:

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your prompt response to our needs at my location. Your knowledge, expertise and comprehensive assessment was well appreciated by me and my team.”  –Michael S., EHS Officer-Industrial

“Assured Bio Labs provided the testing that we needed to identify the source of Legionella in our facility.  We stopped an outbreak dead in its tracks using their same day turnaround DNA tests.”  -Melissa B., EHS Leader-Hospital Healthcare

“Thank you Assured Bio for helping us maintain a safe and Legionella free facility.”  -Toni R., Principle-Long Term Care

“Getting on board with NY Legionella surveillance program was a breeze with Assured Bio’s expertise and guidance.  Thank You!”  -Sergio F., Building Manager-Commercial