What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a persistent cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, or shortness of breath that could point to a lung infection. It helps identify whether bacteria called Legionella are causing your symptoms, which can range from a mild flu-like illness to a more serious pneumonia. It's especially useful if you've recently been exposed to contaminated water sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, or large plumbing systems.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative culture means. If your result is positive, the next step is usually to seek medical care promptly since Legionella infections can become serious if untreated, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems. If negative but symptoms continue, retesting or looking into other causes of your respiratory symptoms may be worthwhile. You can download a standard lab report anytime and track any repeat testing over time using the trends feature in your account.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include a high fever, chills, a cough that may or may not bring up mucus, chest pain when breathing, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people also experience confusion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea alongside respiratory symptoms. If these symptoms appear after time spent near hot tubs, fountains, or large air conditioning systems, that raises the likelihood of Legionella exposure.

When will I get my results?

Results for this culture test typically take about 7 days because the lab needs time to grow and identify any Legionella bacteria present in the sample. This is longer than many standard blood tests since bacterial cultures require an incubation period. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your account.

Who should consider this test?

People with unexplained pneumonia-like symptoms, especially after exposure to water systems like hot tubs, decorative fountains, or large building plumbing, should consider this test. It's also relevant for older adults, smokers, or anyone with a weakened immune system who develops sudden respiratory illness. Travelers who stayed in hotels or cruise ships and later became sick with flu-like or lung symptoms may also want to get tested.

What is Legionella and why does it matter?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in water and can multiply in warm, stagnant water systems like hot tubs, cooling towers, and plumbing. When people breathe in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria, it can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious form of pneumonia, or a milder illness called Pontiac fever. Identifying the bacteria matters because untreated Legionella infections can lead to severe lung complications, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means Legionella bacteria were found in your sample, confirming the cause of your respiratory illness. This finding usually calls for prompt medical care since specific antibiotic treatment works best when started early. It's also helpful to think back on any recent exposure to hot tubs, fountains, or large water systems to help prevent future exposure.

What causes a Legionella infection?

Legionella infections happen when people inhale water droplets or mist containing the bacteria, often from sources like hot tubs, cooling towers, decorative fountains, or building plumbing that hasn't been properly maintained. The bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water, so poorly cleaned water systems are a common source. Person-to-person spread does not typically occur, so exposure almost always traces back to an environmental water source.

How often should I retest?

If your first test comes back negative but your symptoms persist or worsen, retesting or additional evaluation is a reasonable next step. There's generally no need for routine repeat testing once an infection has cleared and symptoms resolve. If you experience a new bout of unexplained pneumonia-like symptoms in the future, especially after a known water exposure, testing again would be appropriate.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, seek medical care right away since Legionella infections can worsen quickly, particularly in older adults or those with existing health conditions. In the meantime, rest, stay hydrated, and monitor your temperature and breathing closely. Try to identify and avoid the water source that may have exposed you so you can prevent repeat exposure.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Legionella Culture Test - Pneumonia & Lung Infection Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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