Aerobiology Laboratory Associates, Inc. Offers Duodenoscope Testing Due to Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria

    STERLING, VA, December 17, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The design of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Duodenoscopes may impede effective cleaning. More than 500,000 ERCP procedures using duodenoscopes are performed annually in the United States. The FDA is closely monitoring the association between reprocessed duodenoscopes and the transmission of infectious agents, including multidrug-resistant bacterial infections caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) such as Klebsiella species and E. coli. From January 2013 through December 2014, the FDA received 75 Medical Device Reports (MDR) including approximately 135 patients in the United States relating to possible microbial transmission from reprocessed duodenoscopes. It is possible that not all cases have been reported to the FDA.

Infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are generally found in hospitalized patients or residents in long-term-care facilities. ERCP is an important and potentially lifesaving medical procedure that allows doctors to evaluate and remove blockages from the channels that drain a patient's liver. Use of this device can potentially avoid the need for more invasive procedures such as surgery.

Aerobiology Laboratory has the capability to perform both qualitative and quantitative (culture) CDC methods for samples collected and analyzed for duodenoscope surveillance. Aerobiology can provide hospitals with the technical information for sampling, including SOPs and guidance for testing. Kits containing pre-made brush kits for sampling of the scopes are available, which can simplify the testing process. Aerobiology also has the capabilities to assist with other scope testing requirements, in addition to a full line of healthcare-specific testing.

ABOUT AEROBIOLOGY

Aerobiology Laboratory Associates, Inc. was established in 1997 to meet the laboratory testing needs of indoor air quality specialists and industrial hygienists. Aerobiology prides itself in providing high quality, responsive, and cost effective environmental microbiology laboratory services. Aerobiology Laboratory Associates, Inc. is woman-owned and AIHA EMLAP accredited with locations nationwide (Washington, D.C.; Cherry Hill, NJ; Atlanta, GA; Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, CA). It specializes in the analyses of pathogens for the following: Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI), Legionella, USP 797 compliance samples, allergens, asbestos, yeast, mold, pollen, and soot from wildfires. Aerobiology also offers product validation and research assistance. At Aerobiology Laboratory Associates, Inc., its success is measured by the success of its customers. It is dedicated to quality service, fast and accurate delivery of test results, and consultative support by experienced experts. Aerobiology holds accreditations from AIHA, NVLAP, CDC Elite and other accreditation programs. For more information regarding services please visit the company website or contact the Laboratory Director, Suzanne Blevins.

# # #