Service description
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) investigates legionella from environmental samples using the culture method according to standard SFS-EN ISO 11731:2017. The method is accredited for drinking water and domestic hot water.
Customers take legionella samples according to THL’s instructions.
Contact THL’s legionella experts when you want to send environmental samples for legionella analysis using the standard method SFS-EN ISO 11731:2017.
Legionella bacteria are studied from various water samples as well as solid materials such as soil, sludge, and compost. THL’s water microbiology laboratory uses the international standard method SFS-EN ISO 11731:2017, which is suitable for different water matrices and solid samples. Key steps of the method include concentrating clean water samples and diluting dirtier samples. If species other than Legionella pneumophila are detected, customers may order species identification of the legionella strain using the MALDI-TOF MS method for an additional fee.
Who we provide the service for
THL analyzes the occurrence of legionella in water samples and solid samples as a service study for e.g. companies, municipalities, and water utilities.
What you can expect from us
Preliminary results are reported to the customer by email within 5–8 days, and final results within 14–15 days.
The test report and invoice are delivered by e-mail usually about two weeks after the final results are ready, though sometimes delivery may take longer.
Pricing
The customer pays for sample shipping costs and analysis. Provide billing information to THL when ordering the analysis using the analysis order form (in Finnish). The analysis order form must be completed and sent to the laboratory before analysis can begin. THL sends the invoice to the customer after delivering the test report. VAT 25.5% is added to prices.
| Legionella bacteria cultured from all environmental sample materials | € 250.05 (VAT 0%) |
| Legionella strain identification using MALDI-TOF MS (Identification sample) | € 49.00 (VAT 0%) |
How to proceed and contact us
Always agree on sample shipping in advance (preferably about one week before sampling). Provide the shipment tracking code by email to [email protected]. Samples must be shipped so that they arrive at the recipient the morning after sampling.
Contact details
Piia Airaksinen, Researcher
+358 29 524 7892
[email protected]
Marjo Niittynen, Senior Specialist
+358 29 524 8331
[email protected]
Switchboard: +358 29 524 6000
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