Indoor Environmental Testing for Pathogens in California and the Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone aware of the ease at which some pathogens can spread. Unfortunately, there are many types of microbial pathogens that can cause disease, and many can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Another growing concern today is the fact that all types of microbes have the ability to develop resistance to the drugs created to destroy them, becoming drug-resistant organisms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines antimicrobial resistance as the ability of microbes to resist the effects of drugs – that is, the germs are not killed, and their growth is not stopped. Although antimicrobial resistance through genetic changes can occur naturally over time, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials is accelerating this process. WHO has also proclaimed that antimicrobial resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.

“While some people are at greater risk than others of developing serious infections, none of us can completely avoid the potential hazards associated with antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic-resistant infections,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “Each year in the United States alone, the CDC reports that millions of people become infected with just bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and tens of thousands of cases are fatal as a direct result of these infections. These infections are difficult to treat, requiring costly and sometimes toxic alternatives. LA Testing’s laboratories offer environmental testing services for a number of infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Testing contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare facilities with especially vulnerable populations, can be instrumental in confirming that cleaning and disinfection procedures are effective.”

LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about antimicrobial resistance and environmental pathogens that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/b_aX9EIz4Kg.

To learn more about infection control and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and sampling supplies, 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail