Page 188 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT MAY 2024

Dubai Central Laboratory implements AI-

based technology to detect ‘Legionella’

bacteria

Story by Tariq Al Fahaam / Ahlam Almazrooi

• 1d • 2 min read

DUBAI, 12th May, 2024 (WAM) -- Dubai Central Laboratory, affiliated with

Dubai Municipality has implemented a new artificial intelligence (AI)
technology which is the first in the region to seamlessly detect Legionella
pulmonary bacteria, a form of bacteria that causes several acute respiratory
infections.

The method is both accurate and sustainable in identifying live colonies of this
type of bacteria. It also shows the results of the examination in specific
concentrations from the specimen, accurately quantifying the bacterial counts

to 99 percent of the time. This also leads to a faster completion rate of the
work due to fewer requirements for laboratory supplies.

Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department,

underscored Dubai Municipality’s commitment towards developing digital
infrastructure for its laboratories and equipping them with cutting-edge
systems that improve the overall effectiveness of the Emirate’s health and
safety system.

The latest move furthers the Municipality's objective of developing and
implementing globally recognised standards for laboratory and calibration
certificates, as well as safeguarding public health and wellness.

Hind commented, “This revolutionary method of detecting the Legionella
pulmonary bacteria is among the latest to be accredited globally by the
European Water Testing Network. It also has a certificate of recognition from
AOAC International. The technology is very accurate and quick to produce

results, typically needing 48 hours as opposed to the 14 days that traditional
methods require.”

https://www.msn.com/en-ae/health/other/dubai-central-laboratory-implements-ai-based-
technology-to-detect-legionella-bacteria/ar-
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