What is one incorrect statement about the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of Legionella testing?

The statement about the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of Legionella testing being incorrect is indeed that it involves growing Legionella on special media. This is because PCR does not require the cultivation of the bacteria in a laboratory setting; rather, it amplifies specific DNA sequences from the target organism, allowing for rapid detection of Legionella. This method can directly analyze samples collected from water sources or surfaces without the need for culturing, making it a much faster alternative.

The capability of PCR to provide rapid results is one of its significant advantages—it can often yield findings in hours compared to the days it takes to culture bacteria. Moreover, PCR is highly sensitive, capable of detecting low concentrations of Legionella in samples, which is crucial for identifying potential contamination. While PCR methods can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature or pH, this characteristic pertains more to the overall methodology rather than the specific requirement of bacterial growth on media.