DNA and PCR Testing Services

Each year, World TB Day is recognized on March 24^th. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes it as a day to educate the public about the impact of tuberculosis (TB) around the world and for health professionals to share successes in prevention and control, while also raising awareness of the challenges that hinder progress towards the elimination of this devastating disease.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB and the bacterium can be spread from a person with the disease of the lungs or throat through the air from one person to another when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing. This occurs when people nearby breathe in the bacteria and then become infected. This is why the transmission of tuberculosis can be a significant risk in healthcare environments and other places where many people share the same space for extended periods of time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020. Globally, it is the 13^th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19. In the U.S., there were 7,174 reported TB cases in 2020 according to the CDC. The agency also states that there are up to 13 million people in the country living with latent TB infection. Latent TB infection is when Mycobacterium tuberculosis lives in the body without making the person sick.

“EMSL Analytical supports the efforts of World TB Day and helps with infection control initiatives by identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis from environmental samples,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Our laboratories utilize highly sensitive real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from air samples collected on special filter cassettes. These tests can help to prevent new cases of the deadly disease.”

Several years back, EMSL sponsored an educational video about World TB Day that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/CkmUIG-IyHQ

To learn more about microbial pathogen testing or other infection control, environmental or indoor air quality 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 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.