CMS Waterborne Pathogens Panel

Significance
There are a variety of microorganisms found in the water of healthcare facilities that are not generally pathogenic for healthy individuals but may be pathogenic for the immunocompromised patient. The conditions associated with increased risk of acquiring an infection from a waterborne pathogen include: hematological malignancy, immunosuppression, transplantation and burns. These infections can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The CMS pathogens panel is designed for use in healthcare facilities to evaluate the potential for exposure to six waterborne pathogens Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter species, Burkholderia cepacia, and nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Test Method:
Legionella spp.
Special Pathogens Laboratory follows a modified version of the ISO Standard 11731:2017, Water Quality-Enumeration of Legionella. Special Pathogens Laboratory is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), New York ELAP, and the State of Connecticut Department of Health to perform this test.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LEGIONELLA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Filter concentration method using M-PA-C selective media. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246) with the addition of direct plating in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Special Pathogens Laboratory is accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) to perform this test.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PSEUDOMONAS

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Filter concentration method using Trypticase Soy Agar with imipenem selective media. Direct plating is also included in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246).
LEARN MORE ABOUT STENOTROPHOMONAS

Acinetobacter species
Filter concentration method using Leeds Acinetobacter medium. Direct plating is also included in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246).
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACINETOBACTER

Burkholderia cepacia
Filter concentration method using Burkholderia selective agar. Direct plating is also included in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246).
LEARN MORE BURKHOLDERIA.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM)
Filter concentration and decontamination with 0.2 M KCL-HCL, pH 2.2. Cultivation using Middlebrook 7H10, Mitchison 7H11, and Rapid Growth Medium (RGM), incubation at 30°C for 6 weeks.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NTM

Turn Around Time
6 to 8 weeks

Test Code
130

Sample Transport
See Sampling and Shipping page for instructions.

Accreditations and Proficiency
See Accreditations and Proficiency page for information on our accreditations and Legionella testing proficiency programs.