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Infection Control Resources to Identify Acinetobacter baumannii and Other Environmental Pathogens

Bacteria Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	11/7/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Infection Control Resources to Identify Acinetobacter baumannii and Other Environmental Pathogens
Introduction	EMSL Analytical offers laboratory testing services and sampling supplies to mitigate exposure risks to a wide range of microbial contaminants in sensitive environments.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, November 7, 2023 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Acinetobacter as a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment in soil and water. While there are many types, the most frequent cause of infections in humans is known as Acinetobacter baumannii. Acinetobacter baumannii can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract and lungs, or in wounds in other parts of the body. It can also colonize or live in a patient without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions or open wounds reports the CDC. As recently as 2017, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter caused an estimated 8,500 infections in hospitalized patients and 700 estimated deaths in the United States alone. Those most at risk of infection according to the CDC include patients in hospitals, especially those who: are on breathing machines have devices such as catheters have open wounds from surgery are in intensive care units have prolonged hospital stays “CDC warns that Acinetobacter can live for long periods of time on environmental surfaces and shared equipment if they are not properly cleaned,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It can spread from one person to another through contact with these contaminated surfaces or equipment, or though person to person spread. This is why the agency advises that in addition to hand hygiene, healthcare providers should pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices, including rigorous environmental cleaning.” EMSL Analytical, with testing facilities across North America, offers laboratory services to support infection control and environmental programs that test for Acinetobacter baumannii and a broad range of other pathogens. They have even sponsored an educational video about Acinetobacter and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/47m5aeS-E3U To learn more about microbial testing and infection control resources, 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 with 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, VOCs, 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.