Infection Control Testing Resources to Help Prevent the Spread of Klebsiella in Healthcare Settings

Klebsiella is a type of gram-negative bacteria that can cause different types of serious healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These can include pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that increasingly, Klebsiella bacteria have developed antimicrobial resistance, most recently to the class of antibiotics known as carbapenems. In healthcare settings, Klebsiella infections can occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. For example, CDC lists patients whose care requires devices like ventilators or intravenous catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics, as being most at risk for Klebsiella infections.

“Klebsiella is normally found in the human intestines where it doesn’t typically cause disease, and in human feces,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The bacteria can be spread in healthcare settings through person-to-person contact or less commonly, by contamination of the environment reports the CDC. Patients may also be exposed to Klebsiella when they have contact with contaminated medical devices or equipment.”

To help prevent infections, healthcare professionals should follow the appropriate infection control procedures. These include hand hygiene, wearing gowns and gloves when entering rooms where patients with Klebsiella–related illnesses are housed, and adhering to strict cleaning and disinfection procedures.

EMSL Analytical, with testing facilities across North America, offers laboratory services and sampling supplies to support infection control and environmental programs that test for Klebsiella and a broad range of other pathogens. They have even sponsored an educational video about Klebsiella and potential exposure risks in healthcare settings that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/inYfYcISTQI

To learn more about infection control testing resources or other environmental, health and safety 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail