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International Infection Prevention Week Highlights the Role of Environmental Testing

Environmental Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	10/19/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	International Infection Prevention Week Highlights the Role of Environmental Testing
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides microbial laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, and personal protective equipment to help identify and mitigate pathogen exposure risks in healthcare and other sensitive environments.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 19, 2026 Observed October 18–24^th this year, International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) recognizes the essential work of infection prevention professionals in protecting patients, healthcare workers, and the public. Established in 1986 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), IIPW raises awareness of practices that prevent the spread of infectious diseases and help reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 38 U.S. hospital patients and 1 in 43 nursing home residents has at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI) on any given day. While significant progress has been made in reducing HAIs, infection prevention remains an important priority across healthcare settings. “Infection control specialists work every day to protect patients, healthcare workers, and building occupants,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Effective training, proper hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols are vital to reducing infection risks.” Environmental testing can also play an important role in infection prevention efforts. EMSL Analytical provides microbial laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, and PPE to help healthcare and environmental professionals identify potential microbial hazards. Its network of laboratories throughout North America supports testing for a variety of applications, including evaluating cleaning and disinfection efforts and investigating potential sources of microbial contamination during suspected outbreaks. As part of its educational outreach, EMSL has sponsored a video highlighting International Infection Prevention Week and the importance of infection prevention practices. The video is available to view at: https://youtu.be/4op0-mlaNIY. For more information about infection control testing resources and other industrial hygiene, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email [email protected]. 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 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 list of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.