Legionella Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, April 8, 2025

Routine water sampling at the VA Medical Center in Loma Linda earlier this year detected Legionella bacteria in multiple samples, according to several media reports published last month. The samples were taken from a variety of locations throughout the facility and staff have been instructed to be vigilant of any patients showing possible symptoms of pneumonia. 

Legionella can be found naturally in the environment, typically in water, and in some building water systems. If people inhale contaminated water from a building water system that has not been adequately maintained, they could potentially develop Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever. Tragically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that Legionnaires’ disease can be fatal in up to 10% of diagnosed cases.

“This case highlights the importance of routine water sampling in high-risk environments, such as hospitals, medical centers, and long-term care centers” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Proactive water management programs to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease associated with building water systems and devices are strongly recommended, especially in places with vulnerable populations. Routine environmental sampling for Legionella can be an especially effective part of these programs. With multiple laboratories in California, LA Testing is pleased to offer laboratory services and specialized sampling supplies to detect Legionella and many other microbial pathogens from environmental samples. In fact, LA Testing's South Pasadena and Huntington Beach laboratories are both CDC ELITE laboratories for Legionella testing.”

To learn more about Legionella or other infection control and environmental testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. 

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.