Global Legionella Testing Market Size and Share

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Global Legionella Testing Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The legionella testing market was valued at USD 377.52 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 559.09 million by 2030, advancing at an 8.17% CAGR. Stricter building-water regulations, heightened post-pandemic vigilance, and rapid advances in molecular diagnostics are sustaining double-digit demand growth. Mandatory CMS rules that link Medicare funding to implementation of ASHRAE-compliant water management programs keep hospitals and long-term-care facilities on a continuous testing cycle[1]Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Legionella Water Management Initiative,” cms.gov. Rising legal liability and insurance stipulations have extended this compliance mindset to hotels, commercial real estate, and manufacturing plants. Technology migration toward PCR platforms has shortened result turnaround from 7–14 days to under 48 hours, enabling early intervention protocols that limit outbreak scale.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By test type, PCR/qPCR/ddPCR held 42.76% of Legionella testing market share in 2024, whereas urinary antigen tests are projected to grow at a 10.56% CAGR through 2030.
  • By end user, hospitals and clinics controlled 49.65% revenue in 2024; diagnostic laboratories lead growth at an 11.56% CAGR to 2030.
  • By geography, North America contributed 43.43% revenue in 2024, while Asia-Pacific is expected to expand at a 9.34% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Test Type: Rapid PCR Drives Molecular Shift

PCR/qPCR/ddPCR platforms captured 42.76% Legionella testing market share in 2024 because hospitals value 24-hour turnaround when treating severe pneumonia. Within the USD 377.52 million Legionella testing market size logged in 2025, PCR assays generated the largest revenue slice by combining high sensitivity with broad serotype coverage. Laboratories also rely on molecular methods to validate water treatment efficacy faster than culture. Culture remains essential for viability confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility, but its use is shifting toward confirmatory rather than frontline testing. Direct fluorescent antibody staining fills immediate visualization niches yet accounts for a modest revenue contribution. Urinary antigen tests lead growth at a 10.56% CAGR by offering 15-minute point-of-care results that support emergency-department triage decisions. Technology refinements have pushed UAT sensitivity past 95%, and multiplex versions now detect several Legionella species in a single cartridge. As reagent costs fall, UAT kits are penetrating occupational health programs and cruise-ship medical units. Market participants therefore maintain balanced portfolios that cover both rapid molecular and decentralized antigen formats to maximize reach across diverse end-user budgets.

Second-generation ddPCR instruments are expected to erode culture share further by identifying sub-detectable colony counts in large plumbing systems. Field technicians equipped with portable LAMP-lateral-flow kits can now screen spa water during routine maintenance visits, creating new revenue lines for HVAC and water-treatment contractors. Although reagent pricing remains higher than agar media, volume purchasing and reagent rental contracts are narrowing the gap, especially for regional reference labs processing thousands of samples weekly. Over the forecast period, technology convergence will likely see labs combine ddPCR quantification with culture confirmation in a single workflow, cementing molecular dominance across the Legionella testing market.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End User: Compliance Culture Sustains Laboratory Outsourcing

Hospitals and clinics accounted for 49.65% revenue in 2024, reflecting CMS mandates that tie funding to ASHRAE-aligned water management. Facilities employ a layered strategy of routine water sampling, high-risk patient screening, and post-remediation confirmation to minimize liability. Constant construction, aging piping, and immunocompromised wards amplify testing frequency inside acute-care environments, locking in a large share of recurring demand. Nevertheless, many community hospitals outsource work to commercial reference labs rather than investing in on-site molecular instruments. That shift pushes diagnostic laboratories toward the fastest growth trajectory at an 11.56% CAGR through 2030.

National and regional lab chains leverage economies of scale, ISO 17025 accreditation, and courier networks to deliver two-day water-sample results at predictable prices. Bundled service contracts now combine Legionella testing with chemical parameter monitoring, giving property managers a single compliance partner. Outside healthcare, industrial facilities, hotels, and universities represent untapped potential as insurers and local codes impose more stringent control plans. Over the forecast horizon, integrated lab-plus-field sampling services are expected to attract smaller building operators unable to maintain dedicated water-safety staff, extending the Legionella testing market footprint into new verticals.

Legionella Testing Market
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Geography Analysis

North America generated 43.43% of global revenue in 2024, underpinned by a robust regulatory network that spans CMS rules for healthcare, OSHA guidelines for workplaces, and insurer-driven audits for commercial property owners. Large diagnostic firms headquartered in the United States supply most PCR reagents, while hundreds of accredited laboratories offer same-day test logistics. Canada’s public-health agencies have mirrored U.S. standards, and Mexico’s private hospital expansions are aligning procurement policies accordingly. High litigation exposure also keeps routine testing budgets intact, even during broader healthcare cost pressures.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region at a 9.34% CAGR, propelled by urbanization and infrastructure investment. Japan’s Expo 2025 detected Legionella counts 50-times above safety limits, prompting nationwide awareness campaigns and stricter municipal codes. China’s hospital-building boom and India’s PPP hospital projects necessitate comprehensive water-safety plans that incorporate quarterly testing. Hong Kong’s cooling-tower surveillance, which analyzed 115 samples in July 2024 alone, showcases government-led vigilance[3]Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, “Monthly Cooling Tower Surveillance Report,” emsd.gov.hk. Australia’s state health departments continue to enforce monthly cooling-tower checks, setting a compliance example for Southeast Asian neighbors.

Europe presents a fragmented picture shaped by differing national laws and energy-conservation goals. Germany’s high legionellosis incidence has moved laboratories toward the IDEXX Legiolert method, regarded as more sensitive than ISO plates. France continues to subsidize UAT kits for nursing homes, whereas the United Kingdom mandates quarterly risk assessments under HSE guidance. Green-building initiatives sometimes reduce hot-water storage temperatures, requiring sophisticated control strategies that maintain energy efficiency without fostering bacterial growth. Testing providers capable of navigating multiple regulatory frameworks enjoy a competitive edge across the European Union.

Legionella Testing Market
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Competitive Landscape

The legionella testing market shows moderate fragmentation, with molecular-biology multinationals competing alongside niche water-safety specialists. bioMérieux, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Qiagen exploit broad reagent catalogs and automated PCR platforms to serve hospital laboratories worldwide. IDEXX Laboratories targets environmental customers with the Legiolert method, while Phigenics sells combined consulting and testing packages that help property owners draft ASHRAE-compliant plans. Market rivalry is increasingly technology-centric: companies race to launch faster assays, cloud-based data dashboards, and automated sampling robots that collect pipe biofilm without technician exposure.

Vertical integration is gaining momentum. Ecolab’s November 2024 purchase of Barclay Water Management added proprietary iChlor monochloramine systems to its testing services, positioning the firm as a one-stop water-safety supplier. Similar moves are expected as treatment firms acquire diagnostics players to secure recurring reagent revenue. Start-ups are also active, offering smartphone-linked biosensors that push real-time alerts to building managers. Large diagnostic houses respond by embedding AI-powered interpretation into instrument software, reducing the skill threshold for lab operators.

Price competition remains muted for premium molecular tests, where intellectual-property protection and regulatory approvals create entry barriers. In contrast, commoditized culture media see tighter margins, prompting vendors to bundle consumables with technical support. Regional laboratories differentiate through ISO accreditation, fast courier pick-ups, and customizable reporting formats that feed data directly into client compliance dashboards. Over the forecast period, laboratories that pair high-throughput ddPCR capacity with consulting services are likely to consolidate share, especially in regions adopting stringent water-management legislation.

Global Legionella Testing Industry Leaders

  1. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

  2. BioMérieux SA

  3. Becton, Dickinson and Company

  4. Aquacert Ltd

  5. Qiagen NV

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Legionella Testing Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • November 2024: Ecolab acquired Barclay Water Management, adding continuous digital monitoring and monochloramine generation technology to its water-safety portfolio.
  • June 2024: Aptamer Group partnered with Microsaic Systems to integrate Optimer binders into the Microtox platform for rapid Legionella detection.
  • August 2024: Melbourne health officials confirmed two deaths in an outbreak tied to contaminated cooling towers, triggering emergency testing of 54 towers citywide.
  • August 2024: Hong Kong’s Electrical and Mechanical Services Department tested 115 cooling-tower samples, identifying seven exceedances and ordering immediate remediation.

Table of Contents for Global Legionella Testing Industry Report

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Market Landscape

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rising Incidence of Pneumonia & Legionella-Linked Illness
    • 4.2.2 Increasing Demand for Rapid & Advanced Diagnostics
    • 4.2.3 Technological Innovations in Molecular & IMS Methods
    • 4.2.4 Stricter Building-Water Regulations & ASHRAE-188 Adoption
    • 4.2.5 Post-COVID Re-Occupancy of Buildings Elevating Risk
    • 4.2.6 Insurance Carriers Mandating Legionella Risk Audits
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Sub-Optimal Sensitivity/Specificity of Legacy Tests
    • 4.3.2 High Cost Of PCR/Qpcr & Ddpcr Panels
    • 4.3.3 Fragmented Global Compliance Standards Increase Burden
    • 4.3.4 Litigation Risk from PCR False Positives Hindering Uptake
  • 4.4 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.5.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value, USD million)

  • 5.1 By Test Type
    • 5.1.1 Culture Method
    • 5.1.2 Urinary Antigen Test (UAT)
    • 5.1.3 Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)
    • 5.1.4 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/qPCR/ddPCR)
    • 5.1.5 Other Test Types
  • 5.2 By End User
    • 5.2.1 Hospitals & Clinics
    • 5.2.2 Diagnostic Laboratories
    • 5.2.3 Other End Users
  • 5.3 Geography
    • 5.3.1 North America
    • 5.3.1.1 United States
    • 5.3.1.2 Canada
    • 5.3.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.3.2 Europe
    • 5.3.2.1 Germany
    • 5.3.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.2.3 France
    • 5.3.2.4 Italy
    • 5.3.2.5 Spain
    • 5.3.2.6 Rest of Europe
    • 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.3.1 China
    • 5.3.3.2 Japan
    • 5.3.3.3 India
    • 5.3.3.4 Australia
    • 5.3.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.3.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.4 Middle East & Africa
    • 5.3.4.1 GCC
    • 5.3.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.3.4.3 Rest of Middle East & Africa
    • 5.3.5 South America
    • 5.3.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.3.5.2 Argentina
    • 5.3.5.3 Rest of South America

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and analysis of Recent Developments)
    • 6.3.1 Albagaia Ltd
    • 6.3.2 Aquacert Ltd
    • 6.3.3 Becton Dickinson & Co
    • 6.3.4 bioMrieux SA
    • 6.3.5 Merck KGaA
    • 6.3.6 Evoqua Water Tech
    • 6.3.7 Danaher (Pall Corp)
    • 6.3.8 Phigenics LLC
    • 6.3.9 Qiagen NV
    • 6.3.10 Thermo Fisher Scientific
    • 6.3.11 IDEXX Laboratories
    • 6.3.12 EMSL Analytical
    • 6.3.13 Pathcon Labs
    • 6.3.14 AquaPhoenix Sci
    • 6.3.15 IDEXX Water
    • 6.3.16 PathogenDx
    • 6.3.17 Idex Legiolert OEMs
    • 6.3.18 Hydrosense Ltd
    • 6.3.19 SGS SA
    • 6.3.20 Eurofins Scientific
    • 6.3.21 Intertek Group

7. Market Opportunities & Future Outlook

  • 7.1 White-Space & Unmet-Need Assessment
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Global Legionella Testing Market Report Scope

As per the scope of the report, legionella testing is a method to check the presence of Legionella bacteria in the sample. It is a pathogenic organism that causes Legionellosis, a respiratory disorder (a form of pneumonia). Legionellosis requires intensive care and hospitalization. Hence, it is considered one of the public health concerns. The Legionella Testing Market is segmented By Test Type (Culture Method, Urinary Antigen Test (UAT), Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) Test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Other Test Types), Application (Clinical Testing Method and Environmental Testing Method), By End User (Hospital and Clinics, Diagnostics Laboratory), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, South America). The market report also covers the estimated market sizes and trends for 17 different countries across major regions globally. The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above segments.

By Test Type Culture Method
Urinary Antigen Test (UAT)
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/qPCR/ddPCR)
Other Test Types
By End User Hospitals & Clinics
Diagnostic Laboratories
Other End Users
Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East & Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
By Test Type
Culture Method
Urinary Antigen Test (UAT)
Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/qPCR/ddPCR)
Other Test Types
By End User
Hospitals & Clinics
Diagnostic Laboratories
Other End Users
Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East & Africa GCC
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the Legionella testing market?

The Legionella testing market was valued at USD 377.52 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at an 8.17% CAGR to 2030.

Which test method generates the largest revenue?

PCR-based molecular diagnostics hold 42.76% Legionella testing market share because they deliver results within 24-48 hours.

Which region is expanding fastest?

Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow at a 9.34% CAGR through 2030, driven by new building construction and heightened public-health oversight.

Why are diagnostic laboratories growing so quickly?

Outsourcing by smaller hospitals and commercial properties supports an 11.56% CAGR for specialized laboratories that offer high-throughput molecular testing.

What regulations drive demand in the United States?

CMS requires healthcare facilities to implement ASHRAE-compliant water-management plans, which mandate routine Legionella testing for compliance.

How are technology trends influencing test choices?

Advances such as droplet digital PCR and LAMP-lateral-flow kits are reducing turnaround times and detecting lower bacterial counts, prompting many facilities to upgrade from legacy culture methods.

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