Customer Service

 Customer Survey

LABConnect™ - Online Results & More

Microbial Testing Laboratory

Category Press Release
Publish Date 10/1/2018
Author Paul Cochrane
Title Environmental Testing to Identify Flesh Eating Bacteria and Other Microbial Pathogens
Introduction EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing services to identify pathogens associated with necrotizing fasciitis and other human, animal and plant infections.

Cinnaminson, NJ,  October 1st , 2018

In August, WCBD published a report about a South Carolina man that almost lost his arm due to necrotizing fasciitis after swimming in a lake. According to the article, the man had a cut on his arm when he went swimming and this is where doctors believe two types of bacteria entered his body.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as “flesh eating bacteria,” as a bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin that surrounds muscles, nerves, fat and blood vessels. Necrotizing fasciitis can result in a loss of limbs and even death so an accurate diagnosis, rapid antibiotic treatment and prompt surgery are important for stopping this type of infection.


The CDC reports that many types of bacteria can cause this type of infection, including:

  • Group A Streptococcus 
  • Bacterioides
  • Klebsiella
  • Clostridium
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli)
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Aeromonas hydrophila

 
“Fortunately, necrotizing fasciitis is rare and a person’s chances of getting it is extremely low if they have a healthy immune system and practice good hygiene and proper wound care,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of these same types of bacteria are also associated with healthcare-associated infections, food poisoning, sewage contamination and other detrimental conditions. At EMSL, we offer environmental, surface, food and medical device testing to identify these and other microbial pathogens. Testing can identify exposure risks and prevent infections. In sensitive indoor environments such as healthcare facilities, testing also helps to proactively pinpoint any lapses in infection control procedures.”  


EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about necrotizing fasciitis that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/jUcDqE3KDmA .


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


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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.

Atlanta, GA (LAB 07) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-1Baton Rouge, LA (LAB 25) - NVLAP Lab Code 200375-0Beltsville, MD (LAB 19) - NVLAP Lab Code 200293-0Boston, MA (LAB 13) - NVLAP Lab Code 101147-0Buffalo, NY (LAB 14) - NVLAP Lab Code 200056-0Carle Place, NY (LAB 06) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-10Charlotte, NC (LAB 41) - NVLAP Lab Code 200841-0Chicago, IL (LAB 26) - NVLAP Lab Code 200399-0Cinnaminson, NJ (LAB List in Description) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-0Dallas, TX (LAB 11) - NVLAP Lab Code 600111-0Denver, CO (LAB 22) - NVLAP Lab Code 200828-0EMSL Canada - Calgary, AB (LAB 65) - NVLAP Lab Code 500100-0EMSL Canada - Edmonton, AB (LAB 50) - NVLAP Lab Code 600321-0EMSL Canada - Markham, ON (LAB 66) - NVLAP Lab Code 600317-0EMSL Canada - Montreal, QC (LAB 68) - NVLAP Lab Code 201052-0EMSL Canada - Ottawa, ON (LAB 67) - NVLAP Lab Code 201040-0EMSL Canada - Toronto, ON (LAB 55) - NVLAP Lab Code 200877-0EMSL Canada - Vancouver, BC (LAB 69) - NVLAP Lab Code 201068-0Fort Lauderdale, FL (LAB 56) - NVLAP Lab Code 500085-0Houston, TX (LAB 15) - NVLAP Lab Code 102106-0Huntington Beach, CA (LAB 33) - NVLAP Lab Code 101384-0Indianapolis, IN (LAB 16) - NVLAP Lab Code 200188-0Kernersville, NC (LAB 02) - NVLAP Lab Code 102104-0Meriden, CT (LAB 24) - NVLAP Lab Code 200700-0Miami, FL (LAB 17) - NVLAP Lab Code 200204-0Minneapolis, MN (LAB 35) - NVLAP Lab Code 200019-0New York City, NY (LAB 03) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-9Ontario, California (San Bernadino County / Inland Empire) (LAB 71) - NVLAP Lab Code 600239-0Orlando, FL (LAB 34) - NVLAP Lab Code 101151-0Phoenix, AZ (LAB 12) - NVLAP Lab Code 200811-0Piscataway, NJ (LAB 05) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-2Plymouth Meeting, PA (LAB 18) - NVLAP Lab Code 200699-0Raleigh, NC (LAB 29) - NVLAP Lab Code 200671-0Rochester, NY (LAB 53) - NVLAP Lab Code 600183-0San Diego, CA (LAB 43) - NVLAP Lab Code 200855-0San Leandro, CA (LAB 09) - NVLAP Lab Code 101048-3Santa Clara, CA (LAB 47) - NVLAP Lab Code 600318-0Seattle, WA (LAB 51) - NVLAP Lab Code 200613-0South Pasadena, CA (LAB 32) - NVLAP Lab Code 200232-0South Portland, ME (LAB 62) - NVLAP Lab Code 500094-0St. Louis, MO (LAB 39) - NVLAP Lab Code 200742-0Tampa, FL (LAB 93) - NVLAP Lab Code 600215-0
Sorry, this function is disabled.