Frequently touched surfaces enable the spread of infectious pathogens throughout healthcare facilities which contributes to the acquisition of hospital acquired infections. To combat bioburden, hand washing and routine disinfection of surfaces are the first line of defense. However, these conventional tools fall short because they are intermittent and depend on human behavior. On average, healthcare providers wash their hands less than half of the times they should, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC). Bioburden can also rapidly rebound on surfaces in the time between cleanings. Antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces can help address these gaps and enhance infection-prevention programs through a systems-based approach.
Image credits: Copper Development Association (CDA)
Copper alloys are solid metals with inherent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. These versatile engineering materials are fabricated into durable, attractive products like door hardware and IV poles that continuously kill >99.9 percent of pathogens within 2 hours. Copper alloys are not a coating or an additive and the antimicrobial properties do not diminish or wear out. No additional maintenance is required beyond routine cleaning to remove dirt and grime. Copper alloys are also completely recyclable and are made mostly from recycled content.
Copper alloys secured public health registration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2008 after rigorous efficacy testing against infectious bacteria including MRSA. Additionally, well-over 150 peer-reviewed publications have reported on the broad-spectrum efficacy of copper alloys in laboratory, clinical and field settings. A multi-year U.S. Department of Defense-funded clinical trial conducted in the Intensive Care Units of three U.S. hospitals also reported that patients treated in rooms outfitted with antimicrobial copper surfaces had 58 percent fewer infections.
Article and images submitted by: Copper Development Association https://www.copper.org/
