DNA Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson,  NJ, December 19^th, 2017

Recently, media reports of a woman encountering bed bugs at a movie theater in Glendale, Arizona made national headlines. The woman posted pictures of the insects on social media that quickly went viral and caught the attention of news organizations from coast to coast.

In recent years, there have been countless reports of bed bug infestations in places that had not had these types of infestations for decades or more.  These small, flat, parasitic insects feed on the blood of people and animals while they sleep and are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find. They can be an ongoing annoyance because they often cause itching and loss of sleep for people living in or visiting an infested property. Some people may even suffer allergic reactions to their presence. 

“This particular case happened in a theater belonging to one of the nation’s largest movie chains,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Other well documented reports of infestations have occurred in locations from hotels and daycare centers to planes, trains and buses. Cases like these cause a public relations nightmare for the companies linked to the infestations. Fortunately, there are simple ways to proactively test for the presence of bed bugs so that the appropriate extermination techniques can be employed before these types of scenarios unfold in the public eye.”

To help companies and individuals identify bed bug infestations, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers an easy-to-use Bed Bug Test Kit.  Once a sample is collected and sent to the laboratory, it is analyzed using advanced and highly sensitive DNA-based techniques. If test results indicate the insects are present, corrective actions can then be implemented to eradicate the pests. EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/6qJ5dUesodQ.

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental issues, please contact EMSL at www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. The Bed Bug Test Kits can be obtained at 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.