How soon should water samples be delivered to the laboratory after collection?

Delivering water samples to the laboratory within 24 hours after collection is essential for accurate analysis, especially when assessing for pathogens like Legionella. This timeframe helps ensure that the samples remain in a condition that accurately reflects the contamination levels present at the time of collection. Delays beyond this period can lead to degradation of the bacteria or changes in the water chemistry, which may result in inconclusive or misleading results that do not accurately represent the water quality. Adhering to the 24-hour guideline aligns with standard practices in microbiological testing, ensuring that analyses can provide reliable data for assessing risks associated with Legionella.