Microbiology Testing Services

Huntington Beach, California, January 13, 2026

Clostridium, a genus of more than 160 known species of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria, is commonly found in soil, water, and the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. While some species have beneficial industrial applications, others are serious human pathogens that can enter the body through wounds or the digestive system. Notable examples include: 

• Clostridium perfringens – A spore-forming bacterium responsible for nearly one million foodborne illnesses in the U.S. each year, often associated with meat and poultry kept at unsafe temperatures.
• Clostridium tetani – The cause of tetanus, a potentially fatal disease marked by severe muscle rigidity and spasms.
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) – Reclassified from Clostridium in 2016, this bacterium causes nearly half a million infections in the U.S. annually, many in healthcare settings, and can be difficult to treat.
• Paeniclostridium sordellii (formerly Clostridium sordellii) – An environmental organism that can occasionally cause severe infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, and myonecrosis.

“To help protect Californians against exposure to Clostridium and other microbial pathogens, LA Testing offers environmental, infection control, food, and product testing services to identify a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “With laboratories across California, these resources can be used to test raw ingredients and finished products, support infection control efforts, confirm disinfection procedures, and help trace the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

LA Testing also recently sponsored an educational video highlighting Clostridium and related exposure risks, available at: https://youtu.be/ExUliZiJ6YE.

For more information about microbial testing or other environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794.

 

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, 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.