Purpose of Legionella Testing
Legionella is a dangerous bacterium that poses health risks in water systems, potentially causing Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory infection. Regular testing for Legionella is essential to ensure water safety, maintain health standards, and prevent outbreaks, especially in high-risk areas like healthcare facilities, office buildings, and industrial sites. Timely detection of Legionella can help facilities act quickly to protect public health and adhere to regulations.
The GeneCount Cube Advantage
The GeneCount Cube thermocycler offers a rapid, versatile solution for Legionella detection, providing multiple benefits:
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Speed: With results ready within 45 minutes, the Cube enables on-site Legionella testing, avoiding the long wait times associated with off-site labs.
- Simplicity: The Cube’s qPCR protocol is user-friendly and requires minimal training, making it accessible for on-site water quality testing.
- Quantitative Results: Unlike other tests that offer only threshold-based results, the Cube quantifies Legionella levels, delivering accurate data for better-informed decisions.
How Does the GeneCount Cube Work?
The GeneCount Cube combines ease of use and precision, making it essential for field testing:
- Collect Sample: Take a water sample from the target location (e.g., cooling tower or plumbing system).
- Prepare Sample: Add the sample to the Concentration System with a syringe, which collects Legionella bacteria in a test cartridge.
- Insert into Cube: Place the cartridge in the Cube thermocycler, where it undergoes thermal cycling for bacteria quantification.
- Wait for Results: In 45 minutes, receive actionable results on the connected device, enabling immediate action if Legionella is detected.
Where is Legionella Testing Needed?
Legionella testing is required in:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, senior living facilities, and clinics where vulnerable populations are at greater risk.
- Industrial and Commercial Buildings: Facilities with complex water systems, especially those using cooling towers.
- Residential Complexes: Apartments and condos with shared water systems benefit from regular monitoring for occupant safety.