Home / Legionella / Legionella Services / Analytical Services
Analytical Services
Magnus Provides a Full Range of Analytical Services for a Wide Variety of Issues
​
-
Water analysis
-
Deposit analysis
-
Cleaning simulation (descaling, degreasing and derusting)
-
Biocide performance simulation
-
Metallurgy and failure analysis
-
Analytical services to measure concentrations of Legionella in water samples
-
Legionella detection through DNA and culture analysis
-
Follow-up of treatment programs to combat corrosion, scaling and microbial growth
-
Research and development
Highest
Accreditation Standards
ELITE PROGRAM - PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION
For testing Legionella in their laboratories, Magnus has proficiency certification from the ELITE Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) in the United States.
Although Legionella bacteria live in a wide variety of freshwater habitats, they are difficult to isolate. An appropriate isolation protocol is critical in determining whether Legionella is present in a sample and at what concentration. The ELITE program was created as a tool for laboratories to test their Legionella isolation techniques against standardized samples.
The ELITE program certifies laboratories in the isolation of Legionella from water samples. Laboratories that do this properly receive a certificate of proficiency indicating that their procedures comply with federal recommendations and meet or exceed industry standards for Legionella isolation.*
*Information is taken from the CDC website.
​
ACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR ANALYSIS LABORATORIES
Our analysis laboratory is accredited by the Ministry of Environment, Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks of Quebec under the accreditation program, including ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Standard for domain 606. This accreditation allows us to offer you the services of our analysis laboratories for Legionella bacteria detection, as required by the regulations of the Quebec Building Board (RBQ) for water cooling towers.
​
By performing this detection directly in the analysis laboratory, we are able to support you more effectively in your water cooling tower maintenance programs, in accordance with RBQ regulatory requirements.
​
The Legionella pneumophila bacteria detection and enumeration analysis must be carried out using a standardized and specific method involving growth on culture medium. This should be done during the restart of a cooling tower after the winter period, at maximum intervals of 30 days during the operational period, and after an emergency decontamination resulting from the detection of a count exceeding 1,000,000 CFU/L of Legionella pneumophila.
Poorly Maintained Cooling Systems
Growth of Legionella pneumophila in a cooling system is a complex problem that can be associated with several factors, including improper operating conditions, poor water circulation and inadequate temperature control. Lack of maintenance and the presence of scale, corrosion or biofilm residue can also stimulate the growth of micro-organisms.
Targeting the Source of the Problem
We treat Legionella using biocides that have proven highly effective against bacteria, algae and protozoa, while simultaneously targeting the main factors that promote their growth.
This means preventing corrosion, scaling and the formation of biofilms.
We need to optimize treatments at regular intervals by monitoring physiochemical and microbiological indicators, as well as verifying their performance. These indicators provide key information on the success of the treatment. There is no direct correlation with Legionella concentrations, so these indicators must be measured.
Since the threshold of infection is poorly understood, it is important to reduce the risk of Legionella to a minimum in buildings occupied by people more susceptible to becoming infected.
Detection from the Onset
To effectively manage a high-risk facility, you must perform regular monitoring so that you can respond quickly in the event of Legionella growth. Legionella bacteria can only be detected in a laboratory using a specific, standardized method. Depending on the circumstances, this method could be by DNA analysis or growth on culture medium.
The DNA analysis method can detect or measure a Legionella population in water or biofilm and provides a result within 24 to 48 hours. Consequently, it is a highly effective tool for rapid detection and response, making it easier to implement disinfection procedures and limit exposure in the event of proliferation.
The growth on culture medium method is based on growing the bacteria on agars using several different treatment types. The bacteria on the cultures can be accurately counted after an incubation period of about 14 days. This method provides a more precise picture of the viability and virulence of the bacteria, which may in some cases provide important clinical information.
For more details on how to minimize the risk of Legionella growth, please contact our center of expertise in Legionella risk control.
Technical Audits
Our performance audits, carried out by our specialists, allow us to implement the strategies needed to optimize water treatment programs. Our scientific and methodological approach, using the best monitoring equipment available on the market, is aimed at helping you choose the best solution.