Microbiology Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 3, 2024

Since 2009, World MRSA Awareness Month has taken place each October. The MRSA Survivors Network organizes the annual campaign to raise awareness and educate the public and healthcare providers on ways to prevent and mitigate infections due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other pathogens.

MRSA is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a type of staph that can be resistant to several antibiotics. The agency cautions that anyone can get a MRSA infection or carry MRSA. The risks increase for people with hospitalizations or nursing home stays, skin-to-skin contact with others, and exposure to crowded and unhygienic places.

CDC warns that the bacteria can survive on some surfaces, like towels, razors, and furniture, for hours, days, or even weeks. MRSA can spread to people who touch a contaminated surface and cause infections if it gets into a cut, scrape, or open wound.

“The agency also shares that MRSA infections can cause serious problems in and outside of healthcare settings,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Dedicated to preventing the spread of MRSA and other superbugs in the built environment are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. We have dozens of laboratories across North America that provide infection control and environmental testing for a wide range of pathogens. This form of testing can be instrumental for confirming cleaning and disinfection procedures, and can also be helpful for pinpointing the source of a MRSA outbreak if one has already occurred.”

EMSL recently sponsored an educational video about World MRSA Awareness Month that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/yr63zHw3y14

For more information about MRSA and infection control testing resources, or other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

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.