Case Study: a medical center in Southern California resolves Aspergillosis outbreak concerns with FACS mold and moisture investigation

Medical Center in Southern California stops aspergillosis outbreak with FACS in 1 critical care unit

A medical center in Southern California retained Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS) to assist with an Aspergillosis outbreak investigation in its critical care unit. The hospital's challenge was to identify the source of the Aspergillus fumigatus mold spores that posed a severe health threat to its immunocompromised patients and to mitigate any potential threats to patient health.

The FACS team conducted a comprehensive environmental evaluation, including staff interviews, a review of historical events, HVAC system inspections, and air sampling. While the analysis found no evidence of Aspergillus in the samples and determined the HVAC system was not at fault, FACS identified conditions conducive to mold growth. They provided the hospital with a clear remediation plan and their General Mold Remediation Guidelines, which relieved staff stress and provided a clear protocol for preventing future outbreaks.