With the advent of the toxic mould craze in the early to mid 90’s, start-up laboratories appeared out of nowhere to capitalize on an emerging market. PATHCON IS NOT A START-UP LABORATORY. PathCon is an industry leader with an outstanding and proven track record, long-standing clients, and is well respected for contributions to the science of indoor microbiological air quality. In this industry, it is imperative to create a strong working relationship between the on-site investigator and laboratory; as sampling strategy and the interpretation of findings have a direct effect on the overall quality of the investigation. In light of this, how does an on-site investigator or others in need of assistance choose the highest quality laboratory?

For help in choosing a high quality laboratory, click on a link below and see how PathCon stands out in an ever-growing field of competitors.

Experience

Select a laboratory with a proven track record and experience.
PathCon Laboratories was established in 1986 by CDC scientists to provide quality microbiological testing and analysis for private industry. Now considered the most eminent laboratory in the industry, PathCon continues to attract high profile clients and cases while continuing to perform research and publish scientific break-throughs on the presence and hazards of microbes in buildings and related settings. Whether its’ Legionnaires’ disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, anthrax, or “toxic” mould – PathCon has the experience clients need.

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Specialization

Choose a laboratory that specializes in microbial analysis.

Many chemistry laboratories are now offering microbiological analyses. Given the strong potential for many microbiological claims to end up in court, it is imperative to select an established and qualified microbiological laboratory. Microbiology and chemistry are two entirely different scientific disciplines. Although the “one-stop-shopping” many chemistry laboratories advertise may provide some convenience, merely following microbiological methods does not make for a microbiological expert. PathCon microbiologists are world authorities in the field, and only PathCon dedicates that expertise to provide clients with specialized microbiological results.

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Accreditation

Look for a LEADING AIHA Accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory.

PathCon is AIHA EMLAP accredited for both bacterial and fungal analyses. Notably, PathCon has consistently scored at least 100% for both bacterial and fungal test rounds since the start of the AIHA accreditation process back in 1996. This accomplishment is unmatched and speaks highly of the quality, depth of knowledge, and expertise that PathCon brings to the accreditation program. Choose a laboratory with an established 100% accuracy history.

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Expertise

Use a laboratory whose in-house staff are true experts in the analysis of samples for fungi and bacteria.
Look to the peer review literature to determine whether the laboratory has true experts in a particular area. For example, PathCon has published the largest baseline database of fungal concentrations in both indoor and outdoor air; PathCon has published on strategies for evaluating and reducing the risk of Legionnaiares’ disease; and PathCon reported a possible new link between hypersensitivity pneumonitis and Mycobacteria. This contribution to public health is unmatched by any of our competitors.

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Qualifications

How qualified are the laboratory staff in processing samples?
Many of our scientists have decades of experience in the identification of fungi and bacteria. One-third of them have advanced degrees, and about 95% have B.S. degrees. Several of our scientists have published papers and articles related to indoor environmental microbiology in peer-reviewed and other publications. Our scientists are frequently asked to lecture in professional courses and seminars. Unlike our competitors, we are considered a reference laboratory for numerous microorganisms.

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Capability

Choose a highly capable laboratory.
Laboratory capability is very important. As an example, during the Anthrax crises of October 2001, PathCon quickly geared up to analyze over 5,000 samples from suspected contaminated sites to support our clients in the private sector. PathCon detected over 7 facilities that were confirmed positive, and had an overall percent positive sample rate of over 1%. No other laboratory in the private sector can match PathCon's capability.

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Credentials

Choose a laboratory that has unmatched credentials.
Some previous important and prestigious positions held by the scientific founders and other PathCon scientists include: Chief, Special Pathogens Branch, CDC; Chief, Epidemiological Investigations Laboratory, CDC; Chief, Enteric Bacteriology Section, CDC; Chief, Bacterial Zoonoses Section, CDC; Director, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Director of the Executive Board, National Toxicology Program; Director, Smallpox Eradication, West and Central Africa, CDC; Director, Center for Environmental Health, CDC; Chief, Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC; Chair, Indoor Environmental Quality Committee, AIHA. No other laboratory in the private sector can match the credentials of PathCon scientists. When you choose to work with PathCon, you choose to work with the best in the business.

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