Legionella Testing Services

As New York City health officials continue investigating a Legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side that has sickened dozens of people and prompted widespread cooling tower inspections, EMSL Analytical, Inc. reminds building owners, facility managers, and environmental consultants that timely environmental testing is a key component of Legionella prevention and response.

The New York City Department of Health has urged anyone who lives, works, or recently spent time in the affected area and develops fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other flu-like symptoms to seek medical care. Health officials continue investigating cooling towers and other potential sources of exposure.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Cooling towers and other building water systems can support bacterial growth if they are not properly maintained.

EMSL Analytical offers comprehensive Legionella testing using rapid PCR and traditional culture methods through its network of laboratories across New York State, including multiple facilities in New York City. The company supports health departments, environmental consultants, industrial hygienists, infection control professionals, property managers, and building owners with laboratory services that help evaluate water systems, verify remediation efforts, and support regulatory compliance.

Many of EMSL’s laboratories participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Elite Program, demonstrating adherence to rigorous quality standards. Select laboratories are also certified by the New York State Department of Health's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) for Legionella testing.

"Whenever public health officials investigate a Legionnaires' disease outbreak, attention quickly turns to building water systems and cooling towers," said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. "Rapid, accurate environmental testing helps identify contamination, evaluate remediation efforts, and protect building occupants."

For more information on Legionella laboratory testing services, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com or 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.