Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

Huntington Beach, California, July 3, 2025

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe enterococci as bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines. They are also often found in the environment, in soil and water. These bacteria can cause infections and the CDC warns that enterococci are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat those infections.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is the name of the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic known as vancomycin. In the CDC’s 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States report, VRE was listed as a serious threat. In it, the agency reported that as recently as 2017, VRE caused an estimated 54,500 infections among hospitalized patients and 5,400 estimated deaths in the United States.

“High-risk patients for VRE infections listed by the CDC include those who are undergoing complex or prolonged healthcare, such as patients in long-term acute care hospitals or ICUs,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Patients with weakened immune systems, such as patients undergoing cancer treatment or with organ transplants, were also on the list. The CDC cautions that VRE can spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or through person to person spread, often via contaminated hands. Due to this fact, healthcare providers should pay careful attention to recommended infection control practices, including rigorous environmental cleaning to reduce the risk of new infections.”

To help protect patients, workers, and building occupants, LA Testing offers infection control and indoor environmental quality testing services to detect VRE and a wide range of other pathogens. They also provide sampling supplies and personal protection equipment. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about VRE in healthcare settings that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/plFsurehAJ0 

To learn more about VRE or other infection control and environmental testing resources, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. 

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.