Overview of Legionella and Pseudomonas
By partnering with T.E.S.T Ltd, organisations benefit from specialist laboratory expertise, dependable reporting, and support tailored to regulatory requirements.
UKAS Accredited Testing
L8 & HTM 04-01 Compliant
Comprehensive Sampling Support
Clear, Actionable Reporting
Legionella Testing
Legionella testing is essential where water systems may present a risk to staff, patients, or the public, particularly vulnerable individuals. Under Health and Safety legislation, duty holders are required to assess and manage the risk of Legionella bacteria water systems.
Routine microbiological analysis detects the presence of Legionella species and supports assessment of overall bacterial control. Testing provides the evidence needed to demonstrate that control measures are effective and helps inform risk management decisions.
Early detection and regular monitoring reduce the risk of contamination, service disruption, and potential enforcement action, supporting safe and compliant water system management.
The L8 Guidelines
The L8 Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) – Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems – sets out the legal responsibilities of organisations and employers for controlling Legionella risk.
The L8 guidance provides practical direction on risk assessment, control measures, monitoring, and record keeping. Compliance with L8 is essential for demonstrating that appropriate management systems are in place.
TEST Ltd can provide
- Site assessments
- Sampling kits
- UKAS accredited in-house testing services
- Regular monitoring
- Professional advice and technical guidance
Pseudomonas Testing
Routine monitoring for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water outlets and taps in accordance with HTM 04-01 guidance. Testing supports early identification of contamination, ongoing microbiological control, and demonstration of compliance with national requirements for water systems management.
Water Testing/ Microbiological Analysis
Regular microbiological monitoring of your water outlets is recommended in the HTM 04-01 Addendum for Pseudomonas and can be used to assess the risk of Pseudomonas infection. We offer a fully comprehensive collection and testing service.
UKAS Accredited
T.E.S.T. Ltd holds accreditation from UKAS for the enumeration of Legionella and Pseudomonas species in water samples. Accreditation provides assurance that testing is carried out using validated methods under recognised quality standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and dependable reporting.
Canine Hydrotherapy
Our laboratory offers the full range of mandatory microbiological testing required by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH) including Legionella, Pseudomonas, E. coli and Coliform bacteria, supporting with association standards and safe operation of hydrotherapy facilities.
Our flexible service allows water samples to be taken at a time that suits your operational needs, with no contractual commitment required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Turnaround times depend on the parameters requested and the required incubation period.
For routine microbiological testing, results are typically available within 3–5 working days of sample receipt. Some tests may be completed sooner, with Pseudomonas results often available within 48 hours. Other parameters, such as Legionella, may require a longer incubation period in line with recognised standards.
If urgent reporting is required, please contact us to discuss available options.
Yes. We provide sterile, clearly labelled sampling kits suitable for water testing.
Each kit includes the appropriate containers, preservatives where required, and instructions to support correct sample collection. This helps ensure sample integrity and reliable results.
If preferred, we can also provide guidance on correct sampling techniques.
Testing frequency should be determined by risk assessment, system type, and the intended application of the water system, including higher risk areas such as critical care environments.
For water systems, testing may be based on previous result history and carried out on a risk basis. For HTM 01-06 washer disinfectors, microbiological testing is typically carried out quarterly . Additional testing may be required following system disinfection, maintenance, contamination events or changes to the water supply.
Our team can advise on appropriate monitoring schedules to support ongoing compliance.
If Legionella species or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are detected, results are reported clearly with reference to relevant action levels and guidance.
We will advise on appropriate corrective actions, which may include system disinfection, review of maintenance procedures and repeat sampling to confirm remediation.
Our team is available to discuss findings and support you in restoring compliance promptly and effectively.
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