Lyme Disease Testing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the agency by state health departments; however, recent estimates using other methods suggest that over 475,000 people may get Lyme disease annually in the U.S. It is the most common vector-borne disease in the country.

In North America, the disease is caused primarily by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks which can attach to any part of the human body.

To help educate the public and prevent new cases of Lyme disease, the month of May is recognized as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. May is also the beginning of tick season in many parts of the country, making it an excellent time for people living in, or traveling to, areas where Lyme disease is common to take preventive measures.

“These measures include knowing where to expect ticks, avoiding contact with ticks, treating clothes and gear with the appropriate EPA-registered insect repellants, and checking your body and pets for ticks after being outdoors,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lyme disease is also a potential threat for countless workers with outdoor occupations. In support of Lyme Disease Awareness Month, EMSL Analytical developed a Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit to evaluate actual ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi. The tick is collected and sent to EMSL’s laboratory where it is tested using exceptionally sensitive PCR-based DNA analysis.”

To learn more about testing ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi, please visit www.TickTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to Lyme Disease Tick Test Kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

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.