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Consulting Services
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In addition to our analytical services, Aerobiology Laboratory offers consulting services to professionals
that have unique or complicated projects involving clinical pathogens, such as Cryptococcus neoforms,
or Mycobacterium species, target organisms, such as Helicobacter pylori, unique niche organisms,
such as sulfate-reducing bacteria and event related building IAQ with occupant exposure situations,
such as a black water event involving E. coli/fecal coliforms and Enterococcus. Contact the laboratory
and discuss the details of your assessment with experienced microbiologists who have an extensive
background in clinical and environmental microbiology.
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| Indoor Air Quality |
Aerobiology Laboratory is available to support the industrial hygiene community, industrial safety specialists and the building science industry in sampling methodogy, data interpretation and microbiology expertise. Our expertise in building-related health issues, industrial settings and microbial applications allows Aerobiology to consult with professionals in all areas and aspects of microbiology. |
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| Healthcare Industry |
Aerobiology Laboratory is available to offer expertise to the healthcare community in developing protocols for specfic hospital target organisms,(Aspergillus fumigatus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus spp - VRE) nosocomial pathogen testing and general IAQ in healthcare settings related to construction activities. We are able to support the implementation toward compliance to USP <797>. |
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Special Projects
Product Testing
Validation and Method Development |
Aerobiology offers expertise in diverse areas of tracking and identifying target microbials, product development stratgies for anti microbial products, an array of methods for product testing (See Product Validation page) and start up methods for product challenges.. |
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We offer consulting services and testing for target bacteria and fungi
Investigations are complex due to building structures, mechanical systems and engineering
controls, various activities going on in building simultaneously , occupants health and
external environmental situations. Aerobiology is experienced in helping clients develop a
targeted sampling approach when looking for unique, targeted organism. Various medias,
sampling equipment and sampling times enhance the sensitivity when looking for any specific
microorganism.
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| Bacillus Antracis |
Bacillus anthracis is a spore-forming, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, 1 - 1.2um in
width and 3 - 5um in length. It is the causative agent of anthrax. It lives in soils worldwide at
mesophilic temperatures (10). It can be grown in aerobic or anaerobic conditons (facultative
anaerobe). Bacillus anthracis is an important organism to study genome sequence because it's
used as a biological weapon. Culture method is performed in laboratory. TAT 48 hours. |
| Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Rapid Growers |
M. tuberculosis and other species of Mycobacterium are disease producing bacteria. The
symptoms from infection range from full blown respiratory involvement to localized abscesses.
Specialized laboratory procedures are used depending upon the target species implicated in
the IAQ investigation. Contact the laboratory for appropriate sampling medias and collection
techniques. |
| E.coli and Other Sewage Related Bacteria |
Sewage screen testing allows simultaneous testing for the presence or absence of fecal
coliform bacteria, E.coli and Fecal Streptococci or Enterococci. Colitag™ can detect
fecal coliforms and E.coli bacteria at 1 cfu/ml within 24 hours even with as many as 2 million
heterotrophic bacteria per 100 ml present. The Enterolert™ can detect fecal Streptococci
or Enterococci at 1cfu/ml within 24 hrs per 100 ml of the sample present. Water, wipes and
bulk samples can be used for testing. |
| Cryptococcus Neformans as Surrogate for Histoplasma Capsulatum |
Cryptococcus neoformans is yeast like fungus that is known to be a human pathogen.
According to CDC, the infectious cases are on the rise due to the increase in the HIV cases
and use of immunosuppressive drugs. Cryptococcus commonly isolated from soil that contains
guano (bird droppings).
Most species of Cryptococcus are seen distributed worldwide. They are commonly found in
old pigeon dropping accumulation on high-rise buildings, window ledges, cupolas, towers
etc. Cryptococcus can also be found in contaminated construction dusts as well. Contact the
laboratory for appropriate sampling medias and collection techniques. |
Legionella |
Legionnaire's disease caused Legionella pneumophila is one of the most challenging building
acquired diseases in the industrial hygiene community. According to CDC, over a year 8000
- 18,000 cases are estimated to be caused by Legionella. Most of the cases reported are
sporadic and nosocomial infections.
To date, there is 50 known species of Legionella and about 70 serogroups have been
recognized to causes diseases in humans. The most common species of legionella that causes
legionnaire's disease is Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1.
OCCURRENCE
The natural habitats of Legionella are environmental waters like lakes, streams and rivers. They
thrive in warm waters. Legionella sp. may be isolated from:
- Hot water tanks, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, humidifiers, and holding tanks.
- Decorative fountains, ultrasonic mist machines, whirlpool bath.
- Spas, respiratory therapy equipment, showers, water faucets, technical-medical equipment.
- Fire sprinkler systems, safety showers, and industrial process equipment.
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| Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria |
Sulfate-reducing bacteria are a group of anaerobic bacteria that generate hydrogen sulfide. This
by-product can cause a number of significant problems with water that range from “rotten egg”
odor to the blackening of equipment, slime formation, and initiation of corrosive processes. They
mainly contribute to the tuberculation and galvanic corrosion of water mains, acid corrosion
of metals and also destruction of concrete sewers. They also cause odor and taste problems
in water and also biofouling of water wells. Sulfate-reducing bacteria are difficult to detect
because they are anaerobic and tend to grow deep down within biofilms as a part of the
microbial community. |
| Nitrifying Bacteria |
Nitrates in water can be potential health risk, particularly to infants who have not yet developed
a tolerance to nitrates. Aggressive nitrifying bacteria in waters may indicate the latter stages
of aerobic degradation of nitrogen-rich matter. This can indicate that the water may have been
polluted by nitrogen-rich organics from sources such as compromised septic tanks, sewage
systems, and industrial and hazardous waste sites and is undergoing an aerobic form of
degradation. They are of high importance in drinking water systems and wastewater affecting
the quality of water. Nitrifying bacteria are also indicators of efficiency of purification process for
waste water treatment. |
ATP Testing
Available at the Atlanta laboratory
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The ATP test is a process of rapidly measuring actively growing microorganisms through
detection of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. This test is performed at the Atlanta laboratory. |
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PRODUCT TESTING
We can assist in evaluating non food, consumer products and determining their effectiveness for reducing or eliminating pathogens according to the manufacturers design. Such items tested for product validation are:
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| Anti microbial flooring |
Anti microbial clothing |
Anti microbial air purification systems |
Anti microbial soaps and hand lotions |
Anti microbial food containers |
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