Bacteria Testing
Bacteria testing can be performed in air, soil, and water. Bacteria air testing is used to assess the quality of indoor and outdoor air by detecting the presence and concentration of bacteria. This type of testing is crucial for environments where air quality is a significant health concern, such as residences, hospitals, laboratories, food processing plants, and office buildings. The goal is to ensure that the air meets health and safety standards and to prevent the spread of diseases. Testing may be performed to determine whether there is an association between respiratory symptoms and the presence of elevated levels of airborne bacteria.
Bacteria Air Testing
Most bacteria can be classified as being either Gram-positive or Gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria are essential to human health and the earth’s ecology. They are generally not associated with diseases in humans. They are commonly found on the surfaces of human skin, hair, and scalps. These bacteria become airborne when surfaces are disturbed. Gram-negative bacteria are generally more harmful than Gram-positive bacteria. They are associated with diseases in humans.
Call Angstrom Testing Services today to discuss air quality testing for bacteria at 516-724-4574
Air Sample Collection
Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria air testing is performed using tryptic soy agar plates and single-stage impactors. Ideally, no Gram-negative bacteria should be present in the air. If any Gram-negative bacteria are found, or if indoor levels of gram-positive bacteria substantially exceed outdoor levels, then species-level identification should be conducted. A determination can then be made as to whether the Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria detected in the indoor air represent a significant health risk.
Species-level identification is conducted using agar plates and impactors. The sample is cultured and incubated for approximately 10 days, and then a bacteriologist identifies the genus and species of the bacteria growing on the plate.
After the identity of the bacteria in the indoor air is determined, health care professionals can then use this information to prescribe the best antibiotics to help fight bacterial infections.
