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MICA Advance — Rapid Legionella Detection in 48 Hours
When outbreaks threaten your facility, waiting 7–10 days for culture results is not an option. HC3 is the exclusive U.S. distributor of MICA Advance — delivering actionable Legionella pneumophila counts in just 48 hours.
Led by Dr. David Krause, PhD, MSPH, CIH — nationally recognized expert in industrial hygiene, toxicology, and Legionella risk.
HEALTHCARE CONSULTING & CONTRACTING
Scientific Consulting for Exposure, Environmental & Health Risk
HC3 provides expert risk assessment, industrial hygiene, and Legionella consulting to healthcare systems, legal teams, and complex facilities facing environmental and exposure-related challenges.
OUR EXPERTISE
Chemical, Biological and Physical Exposure Consulting
We focus on recognition, evaluation and control of chemical, biological or physical exposures in the workplace and within communities.
With over 60 years of combined experience, our professionals apply multidisciplinary approaches to assess and mitigate workplace hazards.
VETERAN-OWNED · SDVOSB CERTIFIED
Trusted Partner for Healthcare Systems & Complex Facilities
We partner with state-of-the-art laboratories, occupational health physicians, environmental legal counsel, and toxicologists to deliver scientific-based solutions.
Serving healthcare facilities, utilities, schools, hospitals, and government agencies nationwide.
Solving Problems That Saves Lives
A Healthcare Consulting Firm
That Works With Private And Public Sector Clients To Assess, Manage, And Control Hazards Healthcare And Other Occupational Settings.
Chemical, Biological and Physical Exposure Consulting
Exposure Science
Three Disciplines.One Integrated Approach.
Chemical
Recognition, evaluation & control of chemical hazards in occupational settings.
Biological
Pathogen exposure, Legionella risk, and biological agent consulting.
Physical
Noise, radiation, ergonomics, and environmental stressor assessment.
- 60+
- Years experience
- 3
- Core disciplines
- US
- Nationwide reach
We focus on recognition, evaluation and control of chemical, biological or physical exposures in the workplace and within communities. With over 60 years of combined experience, our professionals apply multidisciplinary approaches to assess and mitigate workplace hazards.
In order to meet our clients’ needs, we partner with state-of-the-art laboratories, occupational health physicians, environmental legal counsel, and other toxicologists to give clients scientific-based solutions to mitigate their hazards.
Flagship Technology
Culture-Based Legionella Results in 48 Hours
Exclusively distributed in the U.S. by HC3. MICA Advance combines patented chemistry, automated imaging, and AI-driven analysis — delivering culture-based Legionella pneumophila results in 48 hours instead of 7–10 days.
- 0h
- Results vs. 7–10 day ISO methods
- 0%
- Sensitivity
- 0.0%
- Specificity
48h
vs. 7–10 days
- 1
Fastest culture-based method
Microcolonies detected and counted in 48 hours — not weeks.
- 2
Automated AI enumeration
Eliminates confirmatory steps and reduces human error.
- 3
High lab throughput
Process up to 18 analyses at once; 500 samples per 8-hour shift.
The Process
How the MICA Advance System Works
The MICA Advance system uses a patented process to make only Legionella pneumophila bacteria fluoresce. After 48 hours, an automated AI-powered scanner counts these fluorescent colonies — delivering rapid, precise results free from false positives.
- 1
Sample collection
Water samples are collected for culture analysis and shipped overnight to the laboratory exactly the same as always. (250 mL samples are recommended)
- 2
Sample concentration
Each water sample is filtered onto a membrane using standard laboratory methods and equipment.
- 3
Selective incubation
The membrane is placed onto selective GVPC agar enriched with Diamidex’s patented pLeg-N₃; growing Legionella pneumophila incorporate this molecule into their cell membrane.
- 4Key
Fluorescent tagging
After 48 hours of incubation, the membrane is exposed to a fluorescent tag that binds specifically to the labeled microcolonies of L. pneumophila.
- 5
Specific to the pathogen
Only microcolonies of L. pneumophila are tagged and counted, avoiding false positive results.
- 6Key
Automated imaging
The MICA counter scans the membrane at high resolution; AI algorithms recognize and count the microcolonies and reports the number of L. pneumophila per mL of sample.
- 7
User-guided workflow
The software provides complete traceability using QR codes and a handheld scanner and guides the operator through each step, ensuring reproducible results.
- 8
Sample Interpretation
Sample analysis results are reported in CFU/mL and can be referenced against regulatory guidelines.
Explore the complete MICA Advance workflow
Full technical details, validation data, and consultation options on our dedicated MICA page.
Trusted Partnership
Official U.S. MICA Advance Partner
Official Technology Partners
Why partner with HC3
- Exclusively distributed in the United States by HC3
- Legionella pneumophila results in 48 hours — not 7–10 days
- Culture-based method with ISO 11731 equivalence
What We Deliver
Our Core Services
HC3 provides expert risk assessment, industrial hygiene, and Legionella consulting to healthcare systems, legal teams, and complex facilities facing environmental and exposure-related challenges.
Risk Assessment & Exposure Science
Industrial hygiene and exposure-based risk evaluation. HC3 conducts scientifically grounded exposure and risk assessments to identify environmental, occupational, and community hazards.
Learn More
Legionella & Waterborne Pathogen Consulting
Detection, prevention, and response. HC3 specializes in Legionella and waterborne pathogen risk, supporting testing strategy, rapid detection, remediation planning, and regulatory compliance.
Learn More
Indoor Air Quality & Building Health
Exposure-focused IAQ evaluation. HC3 evaluates indoor air quality through an exposure science lens, addressing ventilation performance, contamination risk, and occupational health.
Learn MoreRegulatory & Legal Consulting
Defensible science for compliance and litigation. HC3 supports regulatory compliance and legal matters through expert analysis, reporting, and consulting grounded in industrial hygiene and toxicology.
Learn MoreAreas Of Expertise
Our expertise lies in identifying, analyzing, and managing chemical, biological, and physical exposures in workplaces and communities. With a team boasting over six decades of combined experience, we utilize multidisciplinary methods to address and mitigate workplace hazards effectively.
Risk and Healthcare Consulting For Organizations
Chemical Exposure
Recognition, evaluation, and control of chemical hazards in occupational and community settings.
Book NowBiological Exposure
Expert consulting on biological agents, pathogens, and exposure risk in healthcare and facilities.
Book NowPhysical Exposure
Assessment of physical agents including noise, radiation, ergonomics, and environmental stressors.
Book Now
Legal Consulting
Defensible science for compliance and litigation through expert analysis grounded in industrial hygiene and toxicology.
Book NowMedia Library
Expert Interviews & Media
Watch Dr. Krause and the HC3 team discuss Legionella risk, water safety, industrial hygiene, and emerging pathogens.
HC3 Interview
Water Safety Discussion
Legionella Expert Interview
Founding Expert
Led by Dr. David Krause, PhD, MSPH, CIH
Nationally recognized authority in industrial hygiene, toxicology, and exposure science.
Dr. Krause brings decades of experience investigating Legionella outbreaks, designing defensible sampling strategies, and supporting healthcare systems, legal teams, and complex facilities facing environmental and exposure-related challenges.
- PhD, MSPH, CIH — credentials recognized across regulatory and legal settings
- Deep expertise in Legionella risk assessment and waterborne pathogen consulting
- Trusted advisor to healthcare, utilities, hospitality, and government agencies
Dr. David Krause
PhD, MSPH, CIH
PhD, MSPH, CIH - Founder and President
Listen & Learn
HC3 Podcast
Expert insights on water pathogens, Legionella, and industrial hygiene.
- Legionella & water safety
- Industrial hygiene insights
- Expert interviews
Client Voices
What Our Clients Say
“Dr. Krause's expertise in industrial hygiene and Legionella risk assessment has been invaluable to our organization. His thorough approach and clear communication set him apart.”
“HC3 provided exceptional consulting services for our water safety program. Their knowledge of emerging pathogens and regulatory requirements is unmatched.”
“Working with the HC3 team transformed our approach to Legionella testing. The MICA Advance system delivers actionable results in 48 hours — a game changer for our facilities.”
“When we faced a complex exposure assessment, HC3 brought the scientific rigor and multidisciplinary support we needed. Their partnership with laboratories and legal counsel made all the difference.”
“The HC3 team helped us build a defensible water management program. Their industrial hygiene expertise and practical recommendations exceeded our expectations.”
“From initial consultation through final reporting, HC3 delivered clear, science-based guidance. We now have confidence in our Legionella monitoring strategy.”
From Our Founding Expert
Insights on Legionella Risk & Exposure Science
Guidance drawn from decades of outbreak investigations, litigation support, and water safety consulting.
1 / 3“There is no license, certificate, or accreditation for professionals who investigate Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. The level of expertise varies greatly among public health professionals and private sector consultants. When seeking an expert in the field of Legionella risk assessment or outbreak response you need to carefully vet their education and relevant experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
19 answers on Legionella risk, MICA Advance testing, indoor air quality, and HC3 consulting — searchable and organized by topic.
Still have questions? Our team can help with Legionella testing, MICA Advance, and exposure consulting.
Resource Library
Industrial Hygiene Resources
A continually expanded library of downloadable guides, regulatory references, and educational materials for water safety and exposure science professionals.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Healthcare Consulting and Contracting is a certified SDVOSB — combining rigorous scientific consulting with the discipline and accountability of veteran-owned leadership.
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Worked with HC3 on Legionella testing, exposure assessment, or consulting? Leave a review on our dedicated reviews site.
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Contact HC3 for expert healthcare consulting, Legionella testing, and exposure science solutions.
