What role does Sodium Thiosulfate play in Legionella testing?

Sodium Thiosulfate plays a crucial role in Legionella testing primarily by neutralizing chlorine. Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in water systems, but its presence can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Legionella, during the testing process. If chlorine is not neutralized, it can lead to inaccurate results by killing off the Legionella organisms that are being tested for, thus potentially leading to false negatives.

By adding Sodium Thiosulfate to the water sample, the chlorine is effectively neutralized, allowing for a more accurate cultivation and recovery of Legionella. This step is essential to ensure that the viability of the bacteria is maintained, making it possible for laboratories to accurately assess the presence of Legionella in the sample being tested.