Microbial Testing Services

Toronto, ON, October 28^th, 2020

An Ontario public health department declared an outbreak of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) at a regional hospital in Ontario, Canada. The declaration was first reported in August and involved multiple patients from one unit of the healthcare facility.

C. diff is a type of bacteria that can cause life-threatening diarrhea and can be easily spread from person to person. It can also be transmitted when people touch surfaces that are contaminated with feces from an infected person. Any surface, device or material that becomes contaminated may serve as a reservoir for theorganism’sspores, which can survive for long periods of time. This is why an extended stay in a healthcare setting, especially hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, can increase one’s risk of getting this infection.

“Infections caused by C. diff can be a serious threat, especially in a healthcare environment where there are older patients and people with weakened immune systems,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “As recently as 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated there were 223,900 cases in hospitalized patients and 12,800 deaths in the United States alone that year. More than 80% of the C. diff deaths occur in people 65 and older. In 2019, CDC listed Clostridioides difficile as one of the agency’s 5 ‘Urgent Threats’ in their Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019 report."

To help minimize the spread of superbugs, the scientists and infection control professionals at EMSL Analytical provide advanced laboratory testing services to support infection control efforts, confirm disinfection procedures and to help track down the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred. Their laboratories in the United States and Canada offer surface, air and water testing services for C. diff and a wide range of other bacteria, fungi and even viruses. Environmental testing for these microbial pathogens can be essential for protecting patients, staff and controlling medical costs.

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about C. diff and how it spreads which can be seen at: https://youtu.be/Q9WOllEethY.

To learn more about environmental testing for C. diff or other microbial 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 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.