About Hydrosense
Hydrosense is a pioneer in the rapid testing industry. Our experts have developed the world’s fastest on-site rapid Legionella test to detect all Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1-15.
Hydrosense is a small company with a big reach and a passion for protecting human life from the dangerous bacterium, Legionella pneumophila.
Established in Edinburgh in Scotland, a national team of microbiologists, operational, product, marketing and sales specialists continuously prioritise technological innovation to develop the world’s only Legionella pneumophila rapid testing solution that delivers results in 25 minutes. It can be used by anyone in any industry or setting with minimal training.
Why have we focused on Legionella pneumophila when it is only 1 Legionella species of over 60 identified?
Legionella pneumophila causes most of Legionnaires’ disease cases with over 97%* of outbreaks linked to this species. It currently has 16 serogroups. A serogroup is a way to classify bacteria based on different surface molecules which create variations of the bacteria. This helps scientists identify and study them and their virulence more accurately.
Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 causes around 90%** of all disease outbreaks so was our initial focus for our revolutionary rapid Legionella test. It is the reason we developed Hydrosense ONE.
Reported case records showed that although not as prevalent, serogroups 2-15 could also cause disease so we decided to develop our new testing solution Hydrosense PRO which is a technological advancement thanks to our team of on-site scientists. This test can take one water or biofilm sample and uniquely separate the results so you can tell if serogroup 1 is present on one test line and if serogroups 2-15 is present on the other. No other test in the world can give you this full spectrum view in just 25 minutes.
Serogroup 16 is a rare and new discovery and no known disease cases have been linked to it, but as Legionella pneumophila variants evolve, we continue to be dedicated to testing our technology against any new serogroups that are identified.
A Global Presence
Hydrosense has grown significantly over the past decade. We now work with 763 customers in 77 countries. Our water and biofilm test kits have been sent out across the world to be used to monitor water systems in real time; check the efficacy of remedial work and protect public health.
Collaborating closely with partners worldwide is a cornerstone of our strategy. This approach enables us to tap into each partner’s local expertise, helping us better understand the specific legislative requirements for Legionella risk and water management programs in their regions. To learn more about our partner program and the benefits it offers, click the button below.
Legionella pneumophila is responsible for over 97%* of all Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. This severe illness can lead to pneumonia, with a fatality rate of at least 10%. Survivors often endure long-term, life‑impacting effects.
*https://bit.ly/3ThwQON
Sectors at risk
Wherever water systems are present in the built environment, there is a risk of Legionella. Whilst some sectors and industries pose a higher risk such as healthcare and hospitality, all have the potential to be affected.
Hydrosense tests offer the perfect solution for any industry where reputation is crucial, staff and customer safety are paramount or where facilities are in remote locations. Our tests ensure quick, reliable detection, helping to maintain a safe environment and protect public health in industries such as:
- Cooling towers
- Hospitals & Care Homes
- Hospitality & Recreational
- Facilities Management
- Spa pools & Fountains
- Construction
- Shipping
- Offshore
- Car washes
- Domestic Water Systems
Hydrosense tests vs lab‑testing
To ensure that water systems on your premises are safe, Legionella testing should be conducted regularly. Many testing guidelines insist on individuals using the lab culture method which is performed in a laboratory. Significant limitations have been identified for this method, such as false negatives derived from the transportation process and the effect of the lab processing the water sample, to the very real and dangerous threat that lab culture will never detect Viable but Non Culturable (VBNC) Legionella. Therefore, lab culture alone may not keep you or your customers safe.
Hydrosense plugs the gaps that lab culture creates so it is the ideal addition to any water management program for more rounded protection. Water management professionals have become wise to lab culture limitations and are choosing to adopt innovative testing techniques, like Hydrosense, to work alongside the lab culture method to promote better public health outcomes.
Latest news
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