Legionella Testing Lab

Buffalo, NY, November 28, 2016

Recently, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been discovered in Plattsburgh, New York. So far, there have been five reported cases that are connected to the same apartment complex.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella. It is a very serious form of pneumonia that has a high fatality rate, especially in people with existing immunosuppression. Legionnaires’ disease can occur when people breathe in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria. Past outbreaks have been associated with plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. There are more cases caused by potable water sources than from cooling towers.

“EMSL Analytical, Inc. has been on the forefront of Legionella testing and works to maintain up-to-date certifications in order to provide quality Legionella analysis,” said Diane Miskowski, MPH, National Legionella Program Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our Manhattan, Buffalo and Carle Place labs have all received New York State Department of Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NYSDOH ELAP) certification for Legionella testing. These locations are also CDC ELITE accredited. EMSL has the capability to handle large analysis requests resulting from outbreaks.”

EMSL’s network of Legionella testing laboratories have the ability to perform polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence-based typing and whole genome sequencing for Legionella outbreak source identification. To learn more about the difference between the CDC ELITE and NYSDOH ELAP Legionella programs, or for any inquiries involving Legionella analysis, please call Diane Miskowski, MPH at (800) 220-3675 extension 2528 or Christopher Goulah, Ph.D., at 1-800-220-3675 extension 1407.

As an added resource, EMSL has created a Legionella Pocket Guide with important information on the bacteria and different sampling techniques. To request a free copy, please click here.

To view a complete list of EMSL’s laboratory locations, accreditations and capabilities, please visit www.EMSL.com. For more information about EMSL’s testing services please call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.