Is there a Dipslide for determination of Legionella?
No, the determination of Legionella bacteria requires laboratory conditions and is a test that takes between 7-10 days. The L8 guidelines for Legionella in water systems, ( released Spring 2001), state that controlling the condition of the water minimises the risk of Legionella proliferating. To do this it is suggested that a number of tests be done, and of great importance is the dipslide test. Dipslides are easy to perform bacteriological tests which give an estimation of the general bacteria population (if using TVC Total viable count). Using these enables that water system operator or Engineer to asses the general quality of the water in respect of microbiological species. It is generally advised that id dipslide counts are high (in cooling towers 104 or greater), the sample should be sent to an authorised laboratory for Legionella analysis.
