Legionnaires' Disease Lawyer

Last week, researchers at the Technical University of Munich announced that they had developed a microarray rapid test which can detect Legionella in around 35 minutes. Now there is, in fact, a rapid test for detecting Legionella currently in clinics; urinalysis. But according to the head of the research group and the Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich PD Dr. Michael Seidel, the urinalysis test “serves only as a first indication and is not suitable for screening the water of technical systems,”.

The research is part of the “LegioTyper” project which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. These tests can not only detect Legionella pneumophila but can also identify the subtypes present. According to Dr. Seidel, “the new method not only provides a huge speed advantage… but is also so cheap that we can use the chip in one-time applications.”

In addition, the tests, in combination with a second, DNA-based method, can distinguish between dead and living Legionella pathogens. The application of this second feature could ultimately mean that when disinfection methods need to be implemented, you can in fact monitor the process.

Now this page has covered several different testing methods in the past. Over all, this is simply done because it is exciting to see new research and testing methods coming forward. As such, it is great to see additional research and methods for testing coming out; indeed the more options that become available, the more flexibility can be provided to individuals in order to ensure the safety of the general public as a whole.

Jules Zacher is an attorney in Philadelphia who has tried Legionnaires’ disease cases across the U.S.  Please visit LegionnaireLawyer.com again for updates.