What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria.

The most common symptoms include:

• a fever above 40°c
• chills
• a cough, with or without mucus or blood

Other symptoms may include:

• shortness of breath
• headaches
• muscle aches
• a loss of appetite
• chest pain
• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• confusion
• seizures

How is it contracted?

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria infecting your lungs. It’s usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. The infection isn’t contagious and can’t be spread directly from person to person.

Legionella usually lives in warm freshwater. Common locations include:

• hot tubs
• whirlpool spas
• swimming pools
• air-conditioning systems
• public showers
• humidifiers
• fountains
• natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and creeks

The two things that Legionella bacteria need to grow and reproduce are:

• a water temperature of 20-45C (68-113F)
• impurities in the water that the bacteria can use for food – such as rust, algae and limescale

Not everyone who breathes in contaminated air droplets will get sick. However, you’re at a higher risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease if you:

• are over age 50
• have a weakened immune system due to another illness
• have a chronic lung disease
• have cancer
• smoke cigarettes

Why do I need this Test?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening illness that requires prompt treatment so it important to diagnose the illness as soon as possible.

How do I perform the Test?
It is very simple – just collect a urine sample in a clean container and use the enclose pipette to transfer 4 drops of urine onto the sample well of the test cassette. You will then be able to read the results after 15 minutes. A positive or negative result is indicated by 2 or only 1 line in the test window respectively.

To read further information about Legionella disease please click here.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Allow the test, specimen, and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.

1. Open the pouch and remove the device. Once opened, run the test immediately.
2. Swirl urine gently to mix before testing.
3. Add 4 drops of swirled urine sample( Approx. 100 μL) to the sample well.
4. Wait for the color line to appear. Read the results at 15 minutes , do not interpret the results after 20 minutes.

POSITIVE:* Two lines appear. One colored line should be in the control line region (C) and another apparent colored line should be in the test line region (T). A positive result indicates that Legionella pneumophila was detected in the specimen.
*NOTE: The intensity of the color in the test line region (T) will vary depending on the concentration of Legionella pneumophila present in the specimen. Therefore, any shade of color in the test line region (T) should be considered positive.
NEGATIVE: One colored line appears in the control line region (C). No line appears in the test line region (T). A negative result indicates that Legionella pneumophila antigen is not present in the specimen, or is present below the detectable level of the test.
INVALID: Control line fails to appear. Insufficient specimen volume or incorrect procedural techniques are the most likely reasons for control line failure. Review the procedure and repeat the test with a new test. If the problem persists, discontinue using the test kit immediately and contact your local distributor.

For full instructions on how to use this product click here