Microbiology Testing Laboratory

Huntington Beach, CA, May 18^th, 2020

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious type of skin infection. It is mainly a concern for young children, but can also impact others. Impetigo is easily spread and is typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The condition is fairly common in preschool and school-age children. It can also occur anywhere there are crowded conditions and participation in skin-to-skin contact activities, such as sports. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states there are over three million cases each year in the United States.

New cases occur when the bacteria enters a person’s skin through cuts, scraps or insect bites. In most cases, lesions appear one to three days later as red, weeping sores or blisters where the bacteria entered the skin. Typically, impetigo is easily treated with antibiotics, but when it is caused by MRSA, treatment options and the potential severity of the infection can change dramatically.

“Good hygiene practices and surface cleaning are essential for preventing infections and outbreaks of impetigo,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Environmental surface testing to confirm the effectiveness of disinfection procedures plays an important role in preventing these types of outbreaks. Testing can also be instrumental for pinpointing the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

LA Testing provides surface testing analysis and all of the sampling supplies needed for a wide range of microorganisms. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about impetigo that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/qV_bE5kOj6M.

To learn more about environmental testing for microbial pathogens or other building science, occupational, health and safety 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-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.