Microbiology Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 20, 2024

Enterococci are described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines. They are also often found in the environment, in soil and water. These bacteria can cause infections and CDC warns that enterococci are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat those infections.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci, commonly referred to as VRE, is the name for the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic known as vancomycin. In the CDC’s 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States report, VRE was listed as a serious threat. In it, the agency reported that as recently as 2017, VRE caused an estimated 54,500 infections among hospitalized patients and 5,400 estimated deaths in the United States alone.

“Patients at high risk for VRE infections listed by CDC include those who are undergoing complex or prolonged healthcare, such as patients in long-term acute care hospitals or ICUs,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Patients with weakened immune systems, such as patients undergoing cancer treatment or with organ transplants, were also listed. The agency cautions that VRE can spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or through person to person spread, often via contaminated hands. Due to this fact, healthcare providers should pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices, including rigorous environmental cleaning to reduce the risk of spreading these germs.”

EMSL Analytical, with testing facilities across North America, offers laboratory services to support infection control and environmental programs that test for VRE and a broad range of other pathogens. They have even sponsored an educational video about VRE in healthcare settings that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/plFsurehAJ0 

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.