Infection control Designed to overcome the limitations
of traditional Legionella detection, the latest generation of rapid testing kits enable the detection of Legionella in just 25 minutes and are incredibly accurate at quickly detecting the most common and potentially fatal species of Legionella bacterium – Legionella pneumophila. To confirm its accuracy, we recently invested in an extensive third party study, conducted by the CDC ELITE laboratory Chemicals Incorporated (CHEM Inc.) of CA, USA, which saw Legionella samples tested using both the traditional lab-culture testing and the Hydrosense PRO rapid testing kit. The study revealed our rapid test solution to be 100 per cent accurate in identifying both Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 from blind samples, and gave comparable results to the traditional lab culture testing method but in a much quicker time. Detecting Legionellapneumophila so quickly empowers duty holders to react promptly to contamination and take appropriate action, thereby significantly minimising the risk of exposure and human infection. Not only does using this method for routine testing help reduce risk and minimise potential exposure to care home residents, but it also offers additional information during necessary reviews of the risk assessment.
Beyond compliance Technology always moves faster than the law. Added to this, of course, amid the introduction of a new government tasked with tackling huge economic challenges and significant building regulation reforms, it is unlikely that we will see the introduction of new legislation that specifically addresses the issue of rising Legionella risk any time soon.
For the time being, then, the onus remains
very much on high-risk environments – including care homes – to look beyond compliance and ensure they go the extra mile to optimise safety for residents. By integrating rapid testing within current Legionella control strategy procedures, there is an opportunity to detect faster, respond faster, and ultimately save lives.
A moral motive Beyond regulatory compliance, Legionella control in care homes is, of course, a moral imperative. Care home providers play a critical role in supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals who have
May 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
placed their trust in taking care of them in their time of need. For some, it may also be that their care home is their last place of residence. It therefore goes without saying that providers have a moral duty to go above and beyond to provide a nurturing and safe environment. Amid a growing Legionella risk, taking the opportunity to strengthen Legionella control measures demonstrates a commitment to protecting that trust and prioritising resident welfare. Moreover, in the unfortunate event of a
Legionella outbreak, it is important to note the profound impact it can have on staff, not just in terms of physical stress, but also the emotional toil. At a time when many care homes are facing staffing shortages, an outbreak could easily overwhelm team members. Elevating the approach to Legionella detection can help to help prevent such tragedies, contributing to a deeper culture of safety and care. Further consequences include the reputational ramifications, leading to loss of trust from families, and regulatory scrutiny.
Taking extra care Moving into a care home can be a distressing time for residents faced with losing a certain level of independence, and being removed from their familiar surroundings and the familiarity and cosiness of their own homes. It can also be an emotionally challenging time for family members concerned about the quality of care and second guessing their decision. While the UK may be home to some of the best care homes and innovative care approaches in the world, there is no doubt that the recent tirade of headlines surrounding Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks will come as a concern for residents and their families. By leveraging the latest step change
in innovation, there is an opportunity to significantly negate the Legionella risk by establishing faster, more immediately actionable, and more frequent Legionella testing.
Looking ahead, it is our hope that regulatory guidance evolves in line with Legionella rates to recognise the potentially profound impact of rapid Legionella testing technology. In the meantime it will be
There is a clear case for care home duty holders to consider rapid testing
those early adopters that are able to elevate standards, maintain a solid reputation and secure peace of mind, all the while helping to establish a safer care home experience in what can already prove a challenging time in anyone’s life.
References 1
https://Legionellacontrol.com/news/uk- company-fined-900000-Legionella-risk- vulnerable-residents/
2
https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/releases/ hampshire-care-home-ordered-pay- %C2%A396475-after-failing-provide-safe- care
3
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- nottinghamshire-68164456
4
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/12060869/
5
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/ publications-data/legionnaires-disease- annual-epidemiological-report-2021
6
https://www.cdc.gov/Legionella/php/ surveillance/
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Greg Rankin
Greg Rankin is a seasoned technology product veteran with a deep passion for protecting public health from Legionella bacteria. Since joining Hydrosense as CEO in 2017, he has led the company’s rapid growth and spearheaded innovation in Legionella rapid testing solutions. Under his leadership, Hydrosense has revolutionised water safety by providing the world’s fastest on-site test, enabling businesses to detect Legionella bacteria in just 25 minutes – significantly reducing risks and allowing for immediate action to keep people safe. Greg’s unwavering commitment to public health and respect for his team and customers continue to drive the Hydrosense mission to make water safer for everyone.
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