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Mitigating Aspergillus Infection Risks in California Healthcare Facilities

Microbiology Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	11/13/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Mitigating Aspergillus Infection Risks in California Healthcare Facilities
Introduction	LA Testing provides infection control laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to identify water damage and mold growth in the built environment.
Huntington Beach, California, November 13, 2024 A mold that can often be found outdoors and in indoor environments that have suffered water damage or elevated humidity levels is known as Aspergillus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately 180 species of Aspergillus, but fewer than 40 of them are known to cause infections in humans. Aspergillosis is the name for infections caused by Aspergillus. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common cause of human Aspergillus infections according to the CDC. The agency also lists other infectious species, including A. flavus, A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger, and A. versicolor. Some of the various types of aspergillosis include: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Aspergilloma Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis Invasive aspergillosis Cutaneous aspergillosis “While many people inhale Aspergillus spores without getting sick, CDC warns that those with a weakened immune system or lung disease are at an elevated risk of developing health problems,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Anytime an indoor environment is supporting the growth of Aspergillus, it can be an exposure concern for at-risk patients or building occupants. It is also important to note that in healthcare environments, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) due to Aspergillus have been associated with dust exposure during building renovation and construction activities.” LA Testing’s California laboratories can help prevent new infections due to indoor exposure risks to Aspergillus and other types of mold. They offer laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, air monitoring instruments, and building inspection tools to detect moisture, mold, and many other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about aspergillosis and Aspergillus exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/65UByEn6Oxc To learn more about infection control and indoor environmental quality testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For access to IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, 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 and San Diego.