Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria infecting your lungs. It's usually caught by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water. The infection isn't contagious and can't be spread directly from person to person.

Legionella usually lives in warm freshwater. Common locations include:

• hot tubs
• whirlpool spas
• swimming pools
• air-conditioning systems
• public showers
• humidifiers
• fountains
• natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and creeks

The two things that Legionella bacteria need to grow and reproduce are:

• a water temperature of 20-45C (68-113F)
• impurities in the water that the bacteria can use for food – such as rust, algae and limescale

Not everyone who breathes in contaminated air droplets will get sick. However, you’re at a higher risk for developing Legionnaires’ disease if you:

• a fever above 40°c
• chills
• a cough, with or without mucus or blood

Other symptoms may include:

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening illness that requires prompt treatment so it important to diagnose the illness as soon as possible.

How do I perform the Test?

It is very simple - just collect a urine sample in a clean container and use the enclose pipette to transfer 4 drops of urine onto the sample well of the test cassette. You will then be able to read the results after 15 minutes. A positive or negative result is indicated by 2 or only 1 line in the test window respectively.