Environmental Testing for Acinetobacter and Other Drug-Resistant Pathogens in High Risk Environments in California

Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Times published an article about efforts scientists are taking to try and combat multidrug-resistant superbugs. The report specifically mentioned strains of Acinetobacter and several other microbial pathogens that are now resistant to most medicines that were once used to treat infections caused by these microorganisms.

Acinetobacter is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Acinetobacter causes a variety of diseases, ranging from pneumonia to serious blood or wound infections, and the symptoms vary depending on the disease. Acinetobacter may also “colonize” or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms, especially in tracheostomy sites or open wounds. Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings housing very ill patients. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

“This pathogen can be spread to susceptible individuals by person-to-person contact or through contact with contaminated surfaces,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “In fact, Acinetobacter can live on the skin and may survive in the environment for several days. This is why careful attention to infection control procedures is so important to reduce the risk of transmission in sensitive environments, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes. If an outbreak occurs, it’s critical to identify the source of the bacteria as infections can be resistant to so many antibiotics.”

To help in these efforts, LA Testing offers environmental testing services for many superbugs. These tests are instrumental for assessing the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures or to identify the source of an outbreak.

To learn more about this or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, 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, CDC ELITE, 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, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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LA Testing

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