MRSA Testing Lab

Beltsville, MD, January 27, 2017  

In December, WWBT published a story about three people who developed infections due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The three infected students from a university in the state of Virginia are thought to have come into contact with MRSA due to their use of a recreation and wellness center on campus.

The article states that a letter from the local health department reported high levels of the bacteria were found on some exercise equipment and yoga mats. The health department has also recommended a more stringent cleaning schedule for the facility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 2 in 100 people carry MRSA. In the general community, MRSA infection risks can increase when a person is in activities or places that involve crowding, skin-to-skin contact and shared equipment or supplies. To help prevent its spread, the CDC provides information about environmental cleaning and disinfecting for MRSA in the general community. The agency states that surfaces to focus on include places that touch people’s bare skin each day and any surfaces that could come into contact with uncovered infections.

“Although many gyms and athletic training centers provide an excellent opportunity for people to work out, they are also often breeding grounds for numerous types of bacteria and fungi,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Identifying microbial pathogens and superbugs from environmental samples, contaminated surfaces and confirming that cleaning and disinfection procedures are effective are all steps that can go a long way in helping to prevent infections and these types of outbreaks. At EMSL Analytical, Inc., we offer comprehensive microbial testing services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to identify MRSA and a wide range of other microbial pathogens to help in these efforts.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about environmental cleaning and disinfecting for MRSA in the general community that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9PXekClyp0.

To learn more about microbial pathogen testing services or other environmental services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

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.