DNA/PCR Testing

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, January 22, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States. The agency also warns that one can get norovirus illness many times in their life because there are many different types of noroviruses.

Norovirus is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly in different ways cautions the CDC. People can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces or vomit in their mouth from a person infected with norovirus. The agency shares that one can get norovirus by:

• Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, such as by caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting unwashed fingers in one’s mouth.

“People of all ages are susceptible to getting infected and sick with norovirus,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, there are ways to test environmental samples for it. At EMSL, we are able to testing for human norovirus by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) through surface swabs and from water and wastewater samples. This form of testing can help to assess the effectiveness of infection control efforts or to identify the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about norovirus and identifying exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/jHFBXqtlHtU

To learn more about infection control testing resources or other environmental, health and safety 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 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.