UKAS Accredited and Onsite Legionella Testing designed to meet the requirements of the ACOP L8, HSG 274 and HTM 04-01.

There is no automatic requirement to test for Legionella bacteria, even at healthcare sites.  The need for testing should be identified during the risk assessment process or during routine control and prevention measures.  This is stated in HSG 274 part 2, section 2.120 and section 10 of the Department of Health's HTM 04-01 part B.

Where a need to carry out Legionella testing has been identified it should be done using as UKAS accredited method and targeted at the identified risk.

To ensure compliance with the ACOP L8 and HTM 04-01 we will only carry out any Legionella testing when there is a valid and indate Legionella risk assessment in place.

We offer rapid onsite and UKAS accredited laboratory testing.  A positive onsite test result requires a follow up test using a UKAS accredited laboratory test.

UKAS Accredited Testing

The ACOP L8, HSG 274, HTM 04-01 and HTM 01-05 all require that any Legionella testing is carried out by a UKAS accredited method.  This typically involves sending water samples to a laboratory as field or onsite testing kits are not usually UKAS accredited.

Field & Onsite Testing

Field or onsite testing kits can be a very useful tool but their use is limited as most kits do not cover more than 1 of the 58 bacterial groups or give an accurate bacterial count.  These kits are typically not UKAS accredited and any positive test result will require a follow up UKAS test carrying out.

Dip Slides

The ACOP L8 identifies the use of dip slides for aerobic bacteria only and not for hot and cold-water systems.  HTM 01-05 section 19.68 and HTM 04-01 part B section 9.3 advises that dip slides are not an acceptable method of testing.  This includes testing dental equipment.