Testing for MRSA in Schools, Health Clubs, Gyms, Hospitals, Dormitories and Institutions is Becoming Commonplace

The recent high profile outbreaks and deaths associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) have caught the attention of the nation. Mold Assessment Group, a leading provider of advanced environmental sampling and testing services is now performing sampling and testing for the MRSA bacteria.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of commonly used antibiotics. Until recently most cases of MRSA were hospital acquired, but community acquired MRSA infections have become a reality of late.  MRSA infections are most likely to occur in crowed environments, such as schools, where many people touch the same surfaces.

MRSA can be spread by direct skin to skin contact or from contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected individual. MRSA is known to survive on environmental surfaces for at least 2 weeks.  Sampling of environments where MRSA outbreaks have occurred, or are likely to occur, may be useful in preventing the spread of infection.

Swabs, bulk or water samples from any environmental surface that is touched by a number of people could be instrumental in determining the presence of MRSA in a school or facility. In general, surfaces that are likely contaminated with MRSA include: doorknobs, sink faucets, toilet handles, gym equipment, and shared desks or tables.

Please contact us for more information or to schedule MRSA sampling and testing for your facility.