Test guide
Legionella Tests
Legionella is a type of bacteria . When it affects your lungs, it can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease . Legionella tests look for these bacteria in urine, sputum, or in some cases in lung tissue. A blood test may be done to check if you have been exposed to the bacteria, but it cannot diagnose a Legionella infection.
What it is for
Legionella tests are used to find out whether you have Legionnaires' disease. Other lung diseases have symptoms similar to Legionnaires' disease. It's important to get the right diagnosis and treatment to help prevent life-threatening complications. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- Legionnaires' disease testing, Legionellosis testing, Legionella pneumophila
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