Legionella · Latex agglutination
Legionella Latex Kit – L. pneumophila serogroup 1, serogroups 2–15 and other species
The Legionella Latex Kit identifies Legionella colonies by latex agglutination and separates L. pneumophila serogroup 1, L. pneumophila serogroups 2–15 and other Legionella species, as required for reporting according to ISO 11731.
- L. pneumophila SG 1
- L. pneumophila SG 2–15
- Non-pneumophila Legionella species
How Legionella Latex Kit works
A suspension of colonies confirmed on BCYE agar is mixed with three latex reagents coated with specific antibodies. Agglutination with one reagent shows the serogroup or species group of the isolate.
Typical results
| Result | Read-out |
| Positive | Agglutination with one of the three test reagents |
| Negative | No agglutination |
Applications and practical notes
Rapid tests and latex kits shorten the confirmation of Legionella from water samples, while culture according to ISO 11731 remains the reference. Typical applications include:
- Fast screening of water samples
- Serogroup identification of isolates
- Outbreak investigations
- Laboratories with PCR or LAMP equipment
Working with Legionella Latex Kit: Test only colonies that grew on BCYE agar and not on BCYE-Cys agar, and include the control latex every time.
Good practice with rapid tests: store the kit as stated on the label, let the components reach room temperature before use and use each item only once. Record the lot number and the result, and confirm positive results according to the reference method when this is required.
About the Legionella method: ISO 11731 describes the enumeration of Legionella in water by direct plating or membrane filtration on BCYE and the selective GVPC agar, with incubation at 36 °C for up to 10 days. Presumptive colonies are confirmed by their need for L-cysteine: they grow on BCYE agar but not on BCYE agar without cysteine. L. pneumophila and its serogroups are then identified by latex agglutination. COLO.Science offers media, supplements, latex kits and rapid tests for these steps.
Complete sets from one supplier: COLO.Science supplies culture media, supplements, rapid tests, identification kits and QC strains as complete sets for the method you follow. Send us your sample types and standards, and we will prepare an offer with the matching products and documentation.
Legionella Latex Kit is supplied by COLO.Science in the pack sizes listed under Ordering information. For larger quantities, regular deliveries or method-specific sets that include Legionella Latex Kit, please send us a request. With every delivery of Legionella Latex Kit you receive the lot number and expiry date, and on request we send the available documentation for Legionella Latex Kit.
Where Legionella Latex Kit fits in Legionella testing
- Sample preparation – membrane filtration, with heat or acid treatment for samples with high background flora
- Culture – GVPC agar and BCYE agar, 36 °C, up to 10 days
- Confirmation – subculture on BCYE and on BCYE without cysteine
- Identification – latex agglutination; qPCR or LAMP for fast screening
Ordering information
| Product | COLO code | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Legionella Latex Kit | PRO7898 | 50 tests |
Product notice: preparation, storage conditions and shelf life are given on the label. Technical data on this page are for orientation; the label and the lot documentation apply. B2B prices are quoted net, excluding VAT.
Sales and technical support
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Quotations and technical support for culture media and microbiology products across our international sales territory. B2B prices are net, excluding VAT.
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Need the complete set for your method?
Send the sample type, target organism and the standard you follow. COLO.Science will put together the media, supplements, QC strains and confirmation tests for the whole procedure.
