TB Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, March 26, 2024

Each year, World TB Day is recognized on March 24^th. It is described as a day to educate the public about the impact of TB and for health professionals to share successes in prevention and control, while also raising awareness of the challenges that hinder progress towards the elimination of this devastating disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as recently as 2022, there were 8,331 reported tuberculosis (TB) cases in the United States. It marked the second year in a row that the agency has reported higher numbers. CDC also estimates up to 13 million people in this country are living with latent TB infection (LTBI).

TB is caused by a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically attacks the lungs, but can also attack other parts of the body. The disease can be spread from a person with the disease of the lungs or throat through the air from one person to another when they cough, sneeze, speak or sing. This occurs when people nearby breathe in the bacteria and then become infected, which is why transmission can be a significant risk in healthcare environments and other places where many people share the same space for an extended period of time.

“The World Health Organization states that a total of 1.3 million people from across the globe died from TB in 2022, making it the second leading infectious killer that year after COVID-19,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To support infection control programs in North America, EMSL offers laboratory testing services for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Air samples are collected on special filter cassettes and then analyzed utilizing highly sensitive real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques.”

EMSL sponsored an educational video about World TB Day several years ago that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/CkmUIG-IyHQ

To learn more about this or other infection control, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.