Maintaining a safe environment in long-term care facilities is essential, especially regarding water quality. Legionella bacteria, which cause Legionnaires’ disease, pose a serious threat to vulnerable populations like the elderly. Therefore, Assured Bio Labs provides comprehensive Legionella testing services. These services are specifically designed for long-term care facilities, ensuring regular monitoring and maintenance of water systems to prevent outbreaks.
Why is Legionella Testing Required
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments. As a result, plumbing systems, whirlpool baths, and boilers in long-term care facilities often become breeding grounds. The effects of Legionella contamination are severe, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, frequently leads to serious health complications. In some cases, it can even be fatal.
Tailored Protocols for Legionella Testing
Assured Bio Labs uses a systematic approach to Legionella testing. We customize our testing protocols to meet the specific needs of long-term care facilities as defined by the water management plan. These protocols, which follow industry standards, are designed to detect Legionella in various water systems.
- Sampling: Annual sampling is coordinated by the lab and facility manager. Assured Bio provides everything required for a designated employee at the facility to collect the water samples according from locations identified in the water management plan. This includes all sampling bottles and materials plus temperature controlled shipping containers. Water samples come from locations like sinks, showerheads, boilers, and ice machines.
- Culture Analysis: Our lab cultivates and identifies Legionella bacteria using advanced culture media. This method, considered the gold standard, provides accurate and reliable results.
- Molecular Testing: In addition to culture analysis, we employ molecular techniques for rapid detection during outbreaks. This allows us to pinpoint specific locations where Legionella has colonized the plumbing system. Molecular results are available the same day, which enables swift action to protect patients and employees.
- Comprehensive Reporting: After testing, we deliver detailed reports. These reports outline the presence or absence and concentration of Legionella in your facility’s water systems. Additionally, our reports include actionable insights, helping facilities take necessary corrective actions when Legionella is detected.
Preventive Measures and Consultation
In addition to testing, Assured Bio Labs offers consultation services to assist long-term care facilities in developing and implementing Legionella management plans. These plans are part of a comprehensive water management strategy. Our experts work closely with facility managers to design effective water management plans. Consequently, the risk of a future Legionella outbreak is significantly reduced.
Why Choose Assured Bio Labs for Legionella Testing?
Assured Bio Labs has been a trusted partner in environmental testing since 2005. Dr. Ed Sobek, a Ph.D. microbiologist with over 28 years of industry experience, founded the company. Assured Bio Labs specializes in Legionella testing and consultation. Our laboratory holds CDC Elite certification and AIHA accreditation for the culture and molecular testing of bacteria, mold, and viruses. We are committed to providing quality, accuracy, and excellent customer service. Long-term care facilities can rely on us to protect their residents from Legionnaires’ disease.
For long-term care facilities, safeguarding residents’ health is paramount. Partnering with Assured Bio Labs ensures that your water systems are safe, compliant, and free from Legionella dangers. Contact us today to learn more about our Legionella testing services and how we can help maintain a safe environment for your facility.
