Exclusive U.S. distributor — HC3
Rapid Legionella Detectionwith MICA Advance
Faster. Smarter. Proven.
Legionella pneumophila results in 48 hours instead of 7–10 days — culture-based, AI-enumerated, and ready for decisive action.
- 0 hrs
- Culture-based results
- 0%
- Sensitivity
- 0.0%
- Specificity
- ISO 11731
- Equivalent or superior
MICA Advance
Automated imaging · AI colony counting
“Outbreaks don’t wait, neither should you.”
Rapid Legionella detection
Culture-based answers in 48 hours
Exclusively distributed in the U.S. by HC3, the MICA Advance system is a solution for laboratories and water safety specialists that rapidly and reliably counts Legionella pneumophila in just 48 hours. By simplifying workflows and increasing efficiency, it allows for faster decision-making, improved regulatory compliance, and a superior level of service for clients.
Reliable enumeration gives labs a decisive competitive advantage — without sacrificing the scientific rigor of culture methods.
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Why choose MICA Advance?
Patented chemistry, automated imaging, and AI-driven analysis — unmatched performance for labs and water safety programs.
- 01
Fastest culture-based method
Microcolonies are detected and counted in 48 hours instead of the 7–10 days needed by standard ISO 11731 methods.
- 02
High sensitivity and specificity
Validation studies report 96% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity — results equivalent or superior to ISO 11731.
- 03
Avoids false positives
Avoids false-positive results that some rapid molecular methods suffer from.
- 04
Automated enumeration
The system automatically identifies and counts microcolonies, eliminating confirmatory steps and reducing human error.
- 05
Minimizes lab technician time
Handling time per sample drops from 45–55 min to 4 min per sample, freeing staff for other tasks.
- 06
High throughput
Process up to 18 analyses at once and 500 samples in an 8-hour shift.
- 07
User-friendly software
An intuitive interface and step-by-step guidance enable any team member to run the test.
- 08
Versatile matrices
Validated for potable water and cooling towers; used across a wide range of water system samples.
- 09
Long-life reagents
Kits have a shelf life of at least 12 months, reducing waste and inventory costs.
Diamidex technology
Legionella protocol
A patented process makes only Legionella pneumophila fluoresce. After 48 hours, an automated AI-powered scanner counts fluorescent colonies — rapid, precise, and free from false positives.
Workflow
How the MICA Advance system works
From familiar sample collection to AI-assisted CFU reporting — eight steps that keep culture rigor while collapsing turnaround time. Scroll to activate each phase.
1 Step 01
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 Step 02
Sample concentration
Each water sample is filtered onto a membrane using standard laboratory methods and equipment.
3 Step 03
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.
4 Step 04
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 Step 05
Specific to the pathogen
Only microcolonies of L. pneumophila are tagged and counted, avoiding false positive results.
6 Step 06
Automated imaging
The MICA counter scans the membrane at high resolution; AI algorithms recognize and count the microcolonies and report the number of L. pneumophila per mL of sample.
7 Step 07
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 Step 08
Sample interpretation
Sample analysis results are reported in CFU/mL and can be referenced against established criteria from CDC, OSHA, and AIHA.
“Other tests leave questions. MICA delivers answers.”
Ready to transform your Legionella testing?
Discover how MICA Advance can accelerate your operations and enhance the value you deliver to clients.
Impact
Benefits for laboratories & water safety specialists
An automated, AI-powered process that slashes Legionella pneumophila testing time from weeks to just 2–3 days — lowering costs, growing capacity, and improving client safety.
Benefits for laboratories
Accelerate result reporting
Deliver final results within 2 days instead of 2 weeks.
Reduce incubation time
Slash Legionella pneumophila culture turnaround from weeks to 2–3 days.
Minimize training
Step-by-step protocols with automated sample reading and reporting enable quick adoption without extensive training.
Reduce labor costs
Automation and simple protocols enable technicians to prepare and analyze more samples per day.
Increase productivity
Reduce sample handling time to approximately 4 minutes per sample.
Boost capacity
High throughput and minimal handling allow hundreds of samples per shift.
Standardize results
AI-driven identification and enumeration of L. pneumophila reduces variability between technicians and labs, supporting ISO compliance.
Electronic reporting
Reports are automatically generated in electronic format (.pdf) and are integrable.
Benefits for water safety specialists
Faster results = lives saved
Report final results in 2 days so remediation can start sooner.
Avoids false positives
Avoids false-positive results that some rapid methods suffer from.
Differentiate your services
Offer clients rapid Legionella testing that outperforms traditional spread-plate culture methods.
Grow revenue streams
Faster testing allows you to serve more clients and provide premium reporting services.
Increase sampling frequency
Shorter turnaround enables more frequent monitoring and stronger risk management.
Enhance client trust
High sensitivity and specificity deliver confidence in results and help clients meet regulatory requirements.
“Saving Time Saves Lives.”
Science & technology
Behind Diamidex MICA Advance
Move beyond the limitations of traditional methods. With MICA Advance and HC3’s expertise, you can lead the way in water safety and microbial risk management.
Official partner
HC3 is the official distributor in the USA
Official Diamidex partner
As the official distributor and installer of MICA in the United States, HC3 ensures you receive genuine products and support.
Expert installation & training
Our team configures the system, trains your staff, and ensures seamless integration with existing workflows.
Ongoing technical support
We provide troubleshooting, software updates, and reagent replenishment to keep operations running smoothly.
Flexible procurement options
Choose from purchase, leasing, or service packages tailored to laboratories of all sizes.
Regulatory guidance
Rely on our expertise to navigate compliance requirements and best practices for Legionella risk management.
Proven, validated, trusted
Culture-based performance that labs and regulators can stand behind — with turnaround that operations actually need.
Request a Consultation- 0%
- Sensitivity
- 0.0%
- Specificity
- ISO 11731
- Equivalent or superior
Next step
Ready to transform your Legionella testing?
Contact us to discuss deployment, training, procurement options, and how MICA Advance fits your laboratory or water management program.