Mold Testing Laboratory

San Leandro, CA, July 19, 2017

In June, Sonoma West Times & News published a story about the temporary closure of a surgical unit at a hospital in Sonoma County. According to the report, mold was detected around a sterilization sink. The surgical unit at the medical center will remain closed until the mold situation has been resolved and is no longer a threat to the sterile processing area.

The presence of mold in a healthcare environment, especially one where surgical procedures take place, can be a significant health and safety concern. There are a number of types of mold that can cause infections in people with a weakened or suppressed immune system. One of these, Aspergillus, is commonly found in parts of buildings that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels.

Some species of Aspergillus can cause aspergillosis in humans. There are multiple types of aspergillosis, including:

 

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
• Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis

 

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human infections,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Other common species include A. flavus, A. terreus and A. niger. Healthcare environments need to be especially vigilant of the presence of these species. At EMSL, we offer microbial testing services to identify the presence of mold, bacteria and other pathogens that can cause a wide range of healthcare-associated infections.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and moldy indoor environments that can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbhL9za96jc.

To learn more about mold, microbial pathogens and indoor air quality testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@emsl.com or call (800) 220-3675. For access to indoor environmental test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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.