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Could Bed Bugs be Lurking on Your Ride to School or Work?

Environmental Testing Laboratory

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	11/16/2018
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Could Bed Bugs be Lurking on Your Ride to School or Work?
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides test kits to identify the presence of bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) utilizing advanced qPCR testing methods.
Cinnaminson, NJ, November 16^th , 2018 WPVI in Philadelphia recently broadcasted a report showing a video from a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) bus rider that appeared to show bed bugs scampering across the upholstered seat in the bus she was riding in. According to the woman, moments before she had her arm on the same location and quickly broke out in a rash where her arm had touched the seatback. SEPTA officials reported that they pulled the bus out of service and are in the process of replacing clothes seats with plastic. The bus service also shared that it had a plan to treat their fleet for bed bugs once a quarter. Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of people and animals, usually while they sleep. They are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find. The presence of bed bugs 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 as it appeared to be the case with the bus rider. “Infestations of bed bugs often cause a public relations nightmare for the companies or institutions involved,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With the holiday season fast approaching, people are getting ready to travel and stay in hotels and motels; stories of bed bugs can be especially damaging this time of year. 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. At EMSL, we offer an easy-to-use Bed Bug Test Kit. A dust sample is collected and sent to the laboratory where 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 before conditions get worse.” EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gfAt_UAgNqA . To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality issues, please contact EMSL at www.EMSL.com , call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . The Bed Bug Test Kit can be obtained at www.EMSLTestKits.com . 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.