Legionella Urine Test Kits GP Professional Tests
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria infecting your lungs. It’s usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water.
- Highly accurate results within 15 minutes
- Detects Legionnaires’ Disease in urine
- Time to expiry will be at least six months
- Solely for use by medical professionals
- Fully CE Marked for professional use
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.
