Could Bed Bugs be Lurking in Your Local Hospital?

Recently, a family told Arizona’s Fox 10 News about an unpleasant discovery at a hospital in the Phoenix metropolitan area. According to the family, while their daughter was being treated at the hospital, they discovered a bed bug on the bedding used by their child. After alerting hospital staff, they were moved to another room where they then claim to have encountered several more of the parasitic insects.


Over the past 10 years, bed bugs have been reported in numerous places for the first time in decades all across North America. They are experts at hiding, which can make them difficult to find, so the likelihood of their presence in even more places where they have yet to be discovered remains high.

“Unfortunately, encountering bed bugs in hospital settings is not all that uncommon,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “A survey of pest control professionals conducted way back in 2010 found that over 30% of respondents reported bed bug infestations in hospital environments.”

Helping healthcare providers, hotel operators, facility managers, landlords and individuals identify bed bug infestations are the professionals from EMSL Analytical, Inc. With laboratories across the United States and Canada, EMSL offers a Bed Bug Test Kit that is simple to use. Following basic instructions, a sample is collected and sent to their laboratory where it is analyzed using advanced and highly sensitive DNA-based techniques.  If test results indicate the insects are present, corrective actions can then be implemented to eradicate the pests. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about bed bugs that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/6qJ5dUesodQ.

To learn more about testing for bed bugs or other indoor environmental quality issues, please contact EMSL at www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . The Bed Bug Test Kit can be obtained at www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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, VOC’s, 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail