Legionella - UKAS Accredited

Andersen Caledonia has UKAS accreditation for processing legionella samples at both its laboratories in Bellshill, Lanarkshire and Keele, Staffordshire. The accreditation covers Potable waters, showers, cooling tower waters, hospital washer disinfectors, pools and spas.

Our typical customers include clinics, leisure facilities, offices, care homes, schools and hospitals where routine monitoring is recommended.

• Electronic notifications of results and secure online access at no extra cost
• Direct access to skilled microbiologists to discuss results
• Courier collection services operated nationally
• Competitive contract pricing
• Fast and efficient service/reporting

We are able to assist you with all aspects of transportation, analysis and reporting regionally and nationally.

Description of Test

Legionella are gram negative rod bacteria that are naturally found in aquatic environment and man made water systems. There are over 40 species, 18 of which can cause disease. This includes Legionella pnuemophila which is responsible for causing Legionnaires disease. These organisms can multiply rapidly in specific growth conditions such as presence of warm water, optimum temperatures of 36-37°C, iron and cysteine. There is a legal obligation to monitor and carry out a risk assessment of Legionella in all health, work or business related buildings - for more details on the legal requirements for owners of property please review the 1995 Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) (L8), the prevention or control of legionellosis (including legionnaires' disease). If undetected, these bacteria can multiply and cause disease through inhalation of aerosols.

ISO 15883 for Washer Disinfectors states that water used for final rinsing should be tested for the presence/absence of Legionella.