Tuberculosis Infection at California School has Parents Concerned

Last month, KCOY reported that a high school student from Santa Maria, California had developed tuberculosis (TB).   According to the article, the infected student was quarantined and began receiving treatment.  It also stated that between 120 and 160 people were identified as having had close contact with the sick student, and that they would be tested to make sure they did not also have an active infection.

TB is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It attacks the lungs, but can also attack other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. If not properly treated, the disease can be fatal.  Mycobacterium tuberculosis is spread through the air from one person to another, often when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or even sings. People in close proximity may then breathe in the bacteria and become infected themselves.

“Fortunately, there are rapid methods to test environmental samples for Mycobacterium tuberculosis,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Within our network of laboratories, the scientists at LA Testing have access to molecular testing instrumentation that allows for real-time PCR analysis to quickly determine its presence from environmental samples.  LA Testing also offers a wide range of additional analytical techniques to identify other microbial pathogens.”

Environmental pathogen testing services allow health officials to quickly and accurately identify the presence of microbial pathogens.  The test results can help to prevent outbreaks, identify the source of an outbreak and assist with infection control procedures.

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about TB and Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/u7o93nmgp1E. To learn more about environmental testing for microbial pathogens, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) (856) 303-2503

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