Testing for MRSA in Schools and Institutions Becoming Commonplace

High profile outbreaks associated with MRSA have EMSL Analytical busy dealing with deadly bacteria.

The recent high profile outbreaks and deaths associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) have caught the attention of the nation. EMSL Analytical, a leading provider of advanced environmental laboratory services and products, has been busy reacting to a barrage of phone calls from concerned citizens and parents from across the country.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics. Until recently most cases of MRSA were hospital acquired, but community acquired MRSA infections have become a reality of late. MRSA infections are most likely to occur in crowed environments, such as schools, where many people touch the same surfaces.

MRSA can be spread by direct skin to skin contact or from contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected individual. MRSA is known to survive on environmental surfaces for at least 2 weeks. Sampling of environments where MRSA outbreaks have occurred, or are likely to occur, may be useful in preventing the spread of infection.

“Simple swabs from any environmental surface that is touched by a number of people could be instrumental in determining the presence of MRSA in a school or facility,” stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President Marketing at EMSL Analytical. In general, surfaces that are likely contaminated with MRSA include: doorknobs, sink faucets, toilet handles, gym equipment, and shared desks or tables.

“Our phone lines and scientists have been very active lately answering questions and providing testing services for MRSA,” reported Paul Cochrane, Business Development Director for EMSL Analytical. “Our products department has also been busy shipping EPA approved disinfectants/sanitizers to help institutions deal with stopping the spread of the infectious bacteria,” Cochrane continued.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a leading, national provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. The company has been operating under the same ownership for 26 years and its loyal customer base has come to rely on the services provided by 27 nationwide testing facilities.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

Director of Business Development

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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