Legionella Sampling

Overview of Our Legionella Sampling Process

Our Legionella water sampling service is performed by experienced technicians who will visit your facility, take samples from identified locations, and send them to an accredited UKAS  laboratory for analysis. Samples are drawn from water systems where risks from bacterial growth are highest, such as water storage tanks, and infrequently used outlets.

1. A qualified engineer visits your facility to collect water samples from identified locations.
2. The samples are analysed at an UKAS-accredited laboratory.
3. Within 10-15 days, you will receive clear, easy-to-understand test results providing a definitive assessment of microbial contamination levels.
4. If results show dangerous Legionella levels, a compliance manager swiftly coordinates site remediation.

Our microbiological analysis tests specifically for the presence of Legionella bacteria, along with other dangerous organisms. 

Your Legionella Sample Results

• If no issues are found: we will provide you with certified documentation that your water systems are free of harmful Legionella as of the sampling date. This record can demonstrate compliance and due diligence for regulators.

• If Legionella or other microbes above accepted limits are detected: Our compliance team will swiftly coordinate with you to arrange necessary disinfection and remediation actions to resolve the issue.

Why Is Legionella Sampling So Important?

Legionella bacteria naturally occur in water sources and can spread in man-made systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing. When tiny water droplets containing Legionella are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious pneumonia with flu-like symptoms.

Testing for Legionella in water is incredibly important, as Legionnaires’ disease can lead to respiratory failure, septic shock, and even death in extreme cases. Groups especially vulnerable to infection include:

• Those over age 50
• Current and former smokers
• People with underlying health conditions 
• Those with weakened immune systems

When is One-Time Sampling Appropriate?

Testing and sampling for Legionella risks can range from monthly, quarterly, and annual checks. If your facility owns a calorifier, for example, this should be sampled annually to inspect clarity, quantity of debris, and temperature.

While routine water testing is important for ongoing Legionella control, one-time sampling by Guardian Hygiene Services can provide valuable seasonal monitoring. One-time sampling is especially useful leading up to summer months, when warmer temperatures can accelerate bacterial growth in water systems. It is also recommended after periods of facility shutdown or stagnation, which allow organisms like Legionella to multiply in idle pipes and tanks.

For sites that shut down over the summer, such as schools or seasonal businesses, we advise sampling shortly before reopening, such as late August for education sites. This allows time for disinfection or remediation if required before the building is reoccupied.

Targeted sampling during riskier times can serve as an early warning system for Legionella contamination – meaning you can either gain assurance water systems are safe or can take swift action if issues are found.