The Hydrosense PRO Ultra Legionella swab test is available in Thailand through BCST, providing on-site detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1–15 directly from biofilm and surface samples. Results are delivered in 25 minutes at a sensitivity of 200 CFU per swabbed area — no laboratory required.

Why Biofilm Testing Matters

Water testing alone does not give a complete picture of Legionella risk. Legionella pneumophila colonises biofilm — the thin, slimy biological layer that forms on the interior surfaces of water systems. Biofilm acts as a protective environment for Legionella, shielding the bacteria from heat treatment, chemical disinfection, and the flow of water. A water sample taken from an outlet may test negative while the biofilm on the pipework, shower head, or storage tank wall harbours active Legionella contamination.

The Hydrosense PRO Ultra Swab Test is the tool for this specific risk. It detects Legionella pneumophila directly from surface samples — the places where the bacteria lives, not just where it is carried.

Legionella Swab Test — What The PRO Ultra Detects

The PRO Ultra Swab Test detects all Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1–15 at a sensitivity of 200 CFU per swabbed area. As with all PRO Ultra products, it uses a three-line format that independently identifies the presence of serogroup 1 and serogroups 2–15 — providing serogroup-level intelligence to support remediation decisions.

It uses LFICA — Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Assay technology — the same technology platform as COVID-19 rapid tests. Results are available in 25 minutes on-site.

Where To Sample

Biofilm accumulates wherever water sits, flows slowly, or where surfaces are warm and wet. Priority sampling locations include:

• Shower heads and shower hoses
• Taps and tap outlets
• Water storage tank walls and water line edges
• Internal pipework surfaces
• Cooling tower fill media and basin surfaces
• Hot tub and pool water-edge surfaces
• Humidifiers, misters, air washers, and sprinkler heads

The swab test is recommended as part of any comprehensive water risk assessment — used alongside water tests to identify contamination at the source rather than only at the point of discharge.

VBNC Detection

Detects Viable but Non-Culturable Legionella in biofilm — the most challenging form of contamination to identify and eliminate, and the most common reason why treatment appears effective while Legionella risk persists.

Three-Line Result Reading

• Result at 1 line: serogroup 1 detected at ≥200 CFU per swabbed area
• Result at 2 line: serogroups 2–15 detected at ≥200 CFU per swabbed area
• C line: confirms test validity
• C line only: no Legionella detected at test sensitivity

Who Should Use This Test

Any facility conducting a water risk assessment, post-remediation verification, or routine surface monitoring as part of a water safety management plan. Particularly recommended for:

• Hotels conducting due diligence on guest room plumbing and spa facilities
• Hospitals and aged care facilities verifying remediation efficacy after a positive water test
• Facilities managers conducting initial Legionella risk assessments of aging water systems
• Industrial facilities inspecting cooling tower fill, basins, and associated pipework

Important Note

For environmental surface and biofilm testing only. Not for human diagnostic use. A positive swab result indicates the presence of Legionella pneumophila at the sampled surface and requires immediate action under your facility’s water management response protocol.