Environmental & Surface Testing

Cinnaminson, NJ,  March 14^th , 2019

Earlier this year, WNEM published a report about a high school student from the Flint, Michigan area that was diagnosed with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The Genesee County Health Department was notified and a letter was sent to parents of students from the high school by the local school district about the infection and how it can be spread in a school environment.

The letter states, “Staph bacteria, including MRSA, are spread by direct skin-to-skin contact – like shaking hands, wrestling or other direct contact with the skin of an infected person. Staph can also be spread by contact with items that have been touched by an infected person – like towels or shared athletic equipment in the gym or in the field.” It goes on to report, “Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections won’t be excluded from attending school.”

MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other common antibiotics, including oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph and MRSA can cause a variety of health issues that range from skin infections and sepsis to pneumonia and bloodstream infections according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Fortunately, this case was diagnosed and the school superintendent has reported that custodial staff will be doing additional cleaning in classrooms,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To confirm cleaning and disinfection procedures in schools, hospitals and other sensitive environments, EMSL offers surface testing for MRSA and other superbugs, such as C. diff. Environmental testing can also be instrumental for pinpointing the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

To help educate school district personnel, parents, teachers, students and the public about environmental cleaning and disinfecting for MRSA, EMSL has sponsored an online video that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/OLBXny-FuBk.

For more information about MRSA and microbial testing or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 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.