IDEXX Legiolert® receives NF Validation Certification by AFNOR for Legionella pneumophila testing
IDEXX, the global experts in water microbiology, has announced that the Legiolert® test, used for the rapid, confirmed enumeration of Legionella pneumophila in hot and cold sanitary water and cooling tower water, has been granted the NF Validation by AFNOR Certification, under the reference No IDX 33/06 – 06/19.
The AFNOR Certification follows a study that was carried by independent expert laboratories. The performance of the Legiolert method was judged equivalent to the performance of standard EN ISO 11731, used worldwide and NF T90-431, used in France. The trial results involving 14 laboratories showed good reproducibility of the method and data from the study was then subjected to rigorous scrutiny by an expert committee made up of stakeholders from regulatory authorities, users from public, private and industrial laboratories, and manufacturers.
The IDEXX Legiolert test is a rapid method for the detection of Legionella pneumophila, the primary causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease. It was launched in Europe in 2017 by IDEXX to complement its portfolio of water microbiology testing solutions for the monitoring of water within buildings and facilities, and to assist in the simplification of testing and reduce the risk posed by Legionnaires’ disease.
“This recognition allows laboratories to adopt the method without extensive costly and time-consuming validations. And not only in France, NF Validation is well accepted in Europe but also further afield in countries such as Canada and in Africa,” commented Andrew Headland, Associate Director, IDEXX. “The advantages that Legiolert has over current tests in terms of speed, accuracy and ease of use can be potentially life-saving and have been recognised in a number of independent studies.”
The IDEXX Legiolert test is a culture method based on a bacterial enzyme detection technology that signals the presence of Legionella pneumophila through utilisation of a substrate present in the Legiolert reagent. Legionella pneumophila cells grow rapidly and reproduce using the rich supply of amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients present in the Legiolert reagent. Actively growing strains of Legionella pneumophila use the added substrate to produce a brown colour indicator. Legiolert detects Legionella pneumophila within 7 days at 1 organism in a 100 ml sample for potable water and at 100 organisms in a 100 ml non-potable sample, such as cooling tower water.
For more information about IDEXX Water UK, please visit https://www.idexx.co.uk/en-gb/water/, email wateruk@idexx.comor call 01638 676800.
About IDEXX Water
IDEXX Water is a global provider of water testing solutions that deliver easy, rapid, accurate and cost-effective information on water quality to laboratories and public utilities around the world. IDEXX entered the water testing market in 1993 with Colilert®, now one of the most frequently used testing methods for the detection of coliforms and E. coli in water worldwide. More recently, IDEXX launched Pseudalert® for 24-hour detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospital water systems, pools, spas and bottled water. Legiolert® was launched in 2017 for rapid detection of Legionella pneumophila, helping to safeguard against Legionnaires’ disease in sensitive populations. For more information, visit: http://www.idexx.co.uk/water/water-testing-solutions.html
About IDEXX Laboratories
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a member of the S&P 500® Index and is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. IDEXX products enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and build more economically successful practices. IDEXX is also a worldwide leader in providing diagnostic tests and information for livestock and poultry and tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Headquartered in Maine, IDEXX employs more than 8,000 people and offers products to customers in over 175 countries. For more information about IDEXX, visit: www.idexx.com
