There are 4 test types available targeted at different applications:
The standard Legionella Field Test™ (part no.100104) can be used to test any water sample, simply collect a sample, then use the pipette to add the required volume to the test.
If the standard test is not sensitive enough for you needs then there are 2 test versions that pre-concentrate the water sample before adding to the test strip, both of these methods have a theoretical sensitivity down to 100 CFU/L.
The Domestic Legionella Test™ (part no.100136) is aimed at relatively clean water samples and uses a flat bed filter membrane, a vacuum pump kit is needed to drive the filtration step.
The Industrial Legionella Test™ (part no.100182) is aimed at more challenging water samples that would typically block a standard filter. A special sample point is permenantly fitted to the water system.
The last kit version is a swab kit, this is for testing surfaces where the legionella bacteria may be present. Applications where this test is used include testing cooling tower pack, showerheads and water tanks.
The Legionella Biofilm Test ™ (part no.100144) is simple to use, swab the suspect area, re-suspend the sample and add to the test strip.
Use of the test should be part of an overall risk management programme. This should define, under normal circumstances, how often testing is required.
In extremely high risk applications, where there is a recurrent problem this could be every day. In most applications that frequency of testing will not be required. However testing too infrequently is likely to mean that long periods pass where there is no knowledge of the Legionella “status” of your system. Additional testing may be advisable when there has been a problem with bacterial control in your system e.g. a loss of biocide dosing, or where work is being carried out in areas of high exposure.
hydrosense can not provide you with specific advice on how often to test a specific of system. Your specialist water treatment company should be able to assist with this.
The test is extremely straightforward to undertake. Each of our 4 tests has a slightly different procedure. You can watch videos of our tests being used here. Full instructions are provided with each test.
Only if you want to use the Domestic Legionella Test™. The Field Filtration Kit™ (part No. 100127) contains a hand operated Vacuum pump, a filter manifold, a timer and enough buffers to perform 30 tests. This is a one off purchase, and only the buffers need replenishing.
If the supplied pipette is used correctly then the correct volume of water will always be applied to the strip. If insufficient sample is applied the background will not clear properly (remain pink) and/or no control line will be visible on the test. If using the provided pipette it is NOT possible to apply too much sample.
If you are using the industrial test and applying the sample with the syringe ensure that the sample applied is 0.1 mL. Too much sample may result in an invalid result.
These are included as a manufacturing control when the test and control antibodies are applied to the strip. If these lines are missing – do not use the test. Return it for troubleshooting, and use another test.
Yes. Please call us to discuss +44 (0) 1506 840 888. Of course you should take samples for culture analysis too – but using the hydrosense test, you have the chance to save days.
Yes. It is normal for some water to enter the bottom bulb of the pipette during filling. This will remain there when the sample is applied to the test.
Used test products (tests, filters, pipettes etc) may be contaminated with bacteria and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with local laws. The test cannot be reused or recycled. The instruction leaflet, the plastic box, and cardboard can be recycled. If you wish to recycle the plastic box, it is manufactured from polypropylene and can usually be recycled where you see this symbol.
You must disconnect the vacuum pump from the manifold, this releases the pressure from the manifold, allowing you to remove the filter from the manifold.
Laboratory results show that the test can be used to observe the change when Legionella antigen is removed from a water sample. We would be interested in recording case studies in this application - so please get in touch and share your experiences.
This should not normally be the case. If there is definitely a red/pink colour in the sample window before using the test then please return the test for troubleshooting.
Please call +44 (0) 1506 840 888 us to discuss. We may have a small amount in stock, we can also investigate if a distributor close to you can provide product quicker. In some cases we have been able to get stock to customers in the UK on the same day - however to ensure you have product where you need it, when you need it, we recommend you keep some on site. We do not garuntee to hold stocks.
The sample point supplied with the Industrial Legionella Kit is designed to be permanently fitted to a system, this allows for a quick routine test to be performed on that system. Additional sample points are available separately (part no. 100171) and a sample point is supplied in every 5 pack of tests.
If you decide to move the sample point between systems or to a different place on the same system you must thoroughly clean and disinfect it first.
Yes – the test could be used as a simple, and rapid confirmation that putative Legionella are L. pneumophila serogroup 1. You should ensure that you include appropriate positive and negative controls, to validate the method in your laboratory. It is suggested that 1 colony is resuspended in about 1 mL of deionised water for this sort of testing.
