The best next step for an ice machine testing Legionella-positive each month for 6 months is to do all but which of the following?

When managing Legionella in an ice machine that has tested positive each month for six consecutive months, taking appropriate steps is crucial for reducing the risk of Legionella proliferation. Among the options, conducting weekly cleanings is not the most effective next step in addressing a recurring Legionella issue.

The significance of this is that while regular cleaning is an important practice, simply increasing the frequency of cleaning alone may not resolve underlying issues that contribute to Legionella growth, such as water temperature, stagnation, or contamination of the water supply. The focus should instead be on implementing more comprehensive measures that address the root causes of the contamination.

In contrast, installing a supplemental disinfection system is a proactive approach aimed at controlling and preventing Legionella, reducing the likelihood of future positive tests. Changing the ice machine location may physically alter the environment in which the machine operates, potentially reducing exposure to sources of contamination. Conducting thorough monthly inspections allows for a detailed evaluation of the machine and associated plumbing systems to identify risk factors or issues that require attention.

Thus, while weekly cleanings play a role in maintenance, they do not directly address the critical concerns associated with persistent Legionella positivity. This makes it the least effective step in this scenario.