ISO 11731 is an international laboratory standard used for the detection and enumeration of Legionella bacteria in environmental water samples. The standard outlines procedures for sample concentration, membrane filtration, selective culture media, incubation, and bacterial identification.
Laboratories use ISO 11731 methods to monitor Legionella contamination in:
• Cooling towers
• Potable water systems
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Industrial water systems
• Environmental water monitoring programs
The ISO 11731 Legionella testing process commonly includes membrane filtration to concentrate bacteria from water samples before culturing on selective agar media.
For additional information about culture-based testing procedures, visit our Legionella Culture Method page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 11731?
ISO 11731 is an international laboratory standard for detecting and enumerating Legionella bacteria in water systems using culture-based methods.
Why is ISO 11731 important for Legionella testing?
The standard provides validated procedures for membrane filtration, bacterial recovery, selective culture media, and Legionella identification.
What samples are tested using ISO 11731?
ISO 11731 methods are commonly used for cooling towers, potable water systems, hospitals, industrial water systems, and environmental water monitoring.
Does ISO 11731 use membrane filtration?
Yes. Membrane filtration is commonly used to concentrate Legionella bacteria from water samples before culturing on selective agar media.
Legionella Testing Products & Laboratory Supplies
AccuScience supplies membrane filters, microbiology media, filtration products, and laboratory consumables used in ISO 11731 Legionella testing and environmental water microbiology laboratories.
Browse our complete range of Legionella testing products for ISO 11731 and culture-based water testing applications.