Generally, microbiological culture tests are started as soon as possible after collection, so shipping overnight is preferred. We recommend shipping the same day samples are collected within an insulated container that protects against extreme temperatures for delivery within 1 – 2 days.
If not shipped the same day, the sample should be refrigerated until shipping. Because Legionella is a slow growing organism and requires warmer temperatures to multiply, we accept samples up to two days after collection in accordance with the 2017 revision of the ISO standard for Legionella culture.