Legionella Water Sampling Instructions

Legionella Water
Sampling Guide

What EMSL is providing:

What will you need before collecting your sample(s):

Save the original shipping box from EMSL to return the sample(s) to the laboratory for analysis.
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling the bottle(s).
On all sample(s), use a gentle stream of water to prevent overflow or splashing.
To avoid contaminating your sample(s): please do not touch the inside of the bottle cap, or the inside of the bottle.
IMPORTANT: Collect your sample(s) in the morning Monday through Thursday. Ship everything back to the laboratory the same afternoon as collection. Please do not conduct sampling on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Use a clean, properly functioning faucet in an area free of excessive dust or other sources of contamination. Non-swivel faucets are preferred.
Select a faucet without devices such as screens, aerators, hoses, or purification devices which may affect results.
IMPORTANT: The faucet should be high enough to allow the bottle to fit underneath, without contacting the mouth of the bottle with the faucet (example: a bathtub or kitchen sink).
Before collecting your sample(s), please put on your gloves and eye protection.

Remove the seal and cap from the bottle. Please hold the cap by its outside edges only. (Tablets of Sodium Thiosulfate should be present in the bottle and should not be removed.)
Sample collected should be “First Draw” meaning the first water to come out of the tap should be collected. Do not run water prior to collection.
Collect the water from the hot water tap and slowly fill the bottle to the neck.
Secure the cap to the bottle for shipment.
Label sample location on bottle using a permanent marker directly on the bottle.

Fill out the enclosed EMSL Chain of Custody form. Be sure to provide all contact and sample information along with signatures and dates requested.
Place your completed Chain of Custody along with your bottle(s) inside the original box for shipment. Please do not add ice.
Please ship your box on the SAME DAY you collect the sample(s).