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Environmental Testing Laboratory

Category Press Release
Publish Date 10/1/2019
Author Paul Cochrane
Title Testing Surfaces in California Healthcare Facilities and High Risk Environments to Identify the Presence of Harmful Bacteria
Introduction LA Testing offers environmental laboratory services to identify microbial pathogens to help prevent infections and confirm the effectiveness of disinfection procedures.

Huntington Beach, CA, October 1st, 2019

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, sometimes referred to as pneumococcus, can cause many types of illnesses known as pneumococcal disease. Some of which, such as meningitis, can be life-threatening. Pneumococcus is also one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia and can cause ear and sinus infections, as well as bacteremia, the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but some people are at greater risk than others. Children at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease include those:
 

  • Younger than two years old
  • In group child care
  • Who have certain illnesses
  • With cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks


Adults 65 years or older are also considered to be at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. In addition, some younger adults are at greater risk for pneumococcal disease, including those:

  • With chronic illnesses
  • With conditions that weaken the immune system
  • Living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
  • With cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
  • Who smoke cigarettes


“The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported that pneumococcal disease can be very dangerous, so it’s critical that surface disinfection procedures are effective in facilities with high risk populations,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “These include places like nursing homes, long-term care facilities and child care centers. At LA Testing we offer environmental analysis for Streptococcus pneumoniae and other microbial pathogens to safeguard vulnerable populations and to help confirm that infection control and disinfection procedures are effective.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about pneumococcal disease and Streptococcus pneumoniae that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/nXfopcoE_30.

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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