DNA and PCR Testing Services

World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing global fight against tuberculosis (TB). The day encourages renewed commitment to stop a disease that continues to claim lives both in the United States and worldwide.

In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a provisional total of 10,347 TB cases in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of rising numbers. The agency also estimates that up to 13 million people nationwide are currently living with latent TB infection (LTBI).

Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other areas of the body. Transmission occurs when individuals inhale airborne bacteria released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. This makes robust infection control practices especially critical in healthcare facilities and other shared environments.

“Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia reported increases in TB case counts and rates from 2023 to 2024,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we help to strengthen infection control efforts across North America by providing advanced laboratory testing and sampling supplies. Air samples, collected using specialized filter cassettes, are analyzed with extremely sensitive real-time PCR methods to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”

EMSL previously sponsored an educational video on World TB Day, which remains available for public viewing at: https://youtu.be/CkmUIG-IyHQ

For additional information on infection control services or environmental, health, and safety testing options, 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.