Choosing the right laboratory for Legionella testing is not a box-checking exercise; it’s a decision that impacts public health, legal liability, and regulatory compliance.
We offer a full suite of legionella testing services tailored for property managers, healthcare providers, and compliance officers.
Whether you’re a property manager, facility director, or healthcare provider, it’s essential to ensure that your Legionella samples are analyzed by a competent, validated, and experienced laboratory.
One of the clearest indicators of lab quality is participation in the CDC ELITE Program.
What is the CDC ELITE Program?
The CDC ELITE Program (Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation) is a national proficiency program run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It evaluates the ability of laboratories to correctly culture and identify Legionella pneumophila, the bacterium responsible for most Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
Labs that participate must:
- Accurately identify Legionella species from water samples using CDC-approved culture methods.
- Demonstrate consistency and precision in handling and interpreting results.
- Pass rigorous performance tests twice a year to remain in good standing.
Only labs that meet these standards are recognized as CDC ELITE labs and are listed on the CDC’s official directory.
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From air quality to hazardous materials, our certified testing keeps you compliant and safe.
Why Does CDC ELITE Certification Matter?
Legionella culture testing is not a simple process. It requires:
Specialized media and incubation techniques.
Extended incubation periods (7–10 days).
Skilled microbiologists who can distinguish Legionella colonies from other bacteria.
Choosing a CDC ELITE-certified lab offers the following benefits:
Accuracy You Can Trust: You reduce the risk of false negatives or misidentification that could endanger occupants.
Regulatory Compliance: Results from ELITE labs are accepted by local health departments and often required by regulations (e.g., in New York). Learn more about how we support your regulatory compliance efforts across state and federal mandates.
Legal Defensibility: If an outbreak occurs, you’ll have documentation from a federally recognized, performance-tested lab.
Professional Guidance: ELITE labs are often staffed by experts who can help you interpret results and recommend next steps.
Ensure your property meets all safety standards with our comprehensive testing services
How to Vet a Legionella Testing Lab
When selecting a lab, consider asking the following questions:
Are you currently listed on the CDC ELITE directory?
Ask for proof of participation or look up the lab on the CDC ELITE list.Do you follow CDC culture methods?
Ensure the lab performs actual culturing not just PCR or dipslide methods when compliance or defensibility is needed.What is your typical turnaround time for results?
Legionella cultures typically take 7–10 days. Be wary of any lab promising results faster without proper explanation.Do you assist with sample collection and transport?
Proper handling is crucial for valid results. The lab should offer field sampling support or provide clear collection protocols. We also offer onsite testing solutions to ensure proper chain-of-custody and environmental integrity during sample collection.Are your staff trained in Legionella identification?
Ask about microbiologist qualifications and training in Legionella analysis.Can you support emergency testing or outbreak response?
Facilities under investigation may need expedited testing with validated chain-of-custody procedures.
For facilities at risk, our legionella risk assessment service provides an in-depth evaluation of system vulnerabilities and response readiness.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Labs that only offer PCR or dipslide testing for Legionella when culture testing is required.
- Inconsistent or vague reports without clear quantification or interpretation.
- No participation in proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparison studies.
- Lack of documentation on QA/QC procedures.
Not All Labs Are Equal. Choose Wisely
Legionella testing is too important to leave to unqualified labs. While many labs claim to offer Legionella testing, only a small percentage participate in the CDC ELITE program, demonstrating proven expertise in this highly technical field.
Testing for Legionella is just one part of ensuring drinking water safety in residential, commercial, and public buildings.
Whether you’re required to test under New York regulations, CMS mandates, or as part of an ASHRAE 188 water management plan, the credibility of your results begins with the lab you choose.
Need Help Choosing a Trusted Lab for Legionella Testing?
We work with CDC-aligned labs and follow all relevant standards to ensure reliable results and full compliance support.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Legionella, accuracy is everything. Choosing a CDC ELITE-certified lab helps ensure that your testing results are not only reliable but also defensible in the face of inspections, audits, or legal inquiries.
If your current provider isn’t a CDC ELITE participant, or if you’re unsure whether their methods meet industry standards, it may be time to re-evaluate. The safety of your occupants and the reputation of your facility depend on it.