Medical Electronics
Beating the bugs with protected medical keypads
Specially protected graphic overlays and keypads on medical equipment can play an important role in combating the spread of viruses. Paul Bennett looks at the growing demand for antimicrobial substrates
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n 2012, over a million people in the UK contracted a new norovirus strain. These outbreaks have once again brought into the spotlight the continued need to reduce the cross-contamination of bacteria in hospitals and whilst it is not possible to kill viruses (such as norovirus) using antibacterial additives, it is possible to use these additives to add a level of defence against harmful microbes, fungi and moulds including MRSA, Salmonella Enteritidis, Escherichia Coli and Listeria Monocytogenes.
Graphic overlays and membrane keypads which sit on the face of hundreds of different pieces of medical equipment like heart rate monitors, portable insulin pumps and negative pressure wound devices, come into contact with an endless
function, grow or reproduce. As the Microban technology is incorporated into the Autotex textured hard coat during the manufacturing process it ensures an even distribution of the antimicrobial agent throughout the texture and film surface. This effectively guarantees surface protection throughout the lifetime of the product.
A survey conducted by Fascia Graphics
across companies working within the medical equipment manufacturing sector, found that whilst the majority of medical equipment manufacturers (88 per cent) feel that awareness of membranes and keypads manufactured with these built in substrates is still low, all of them see it as the biggest development in the sector in the last 10 years. The survey also found
properties that make them easy to process for a wide range of applications. There are obvious benefits of manufacturing with antimicrobial substrates which includes protection against the growth of harmful microbes, when used to compliment traditional cleaning practices, resistance to chemicals and abrasions, and a long flex life. Membrane keypads and overlays can also be easily tailored to requirement to ensure the keypad is aesthetic, robust and ergonomic. Some options you might want to consider when manufacturing your next medical product include:
Appearance
Medical overlays and keypads can be manufactured to incorporate many different colours and designs to enhance appearance and the antimicrobial films provide a consistent gloss or antiglare surface which can be used with texturing varnishes and UV graphic inks. These hard coats are also robust - even in the most hostile of environments and can be embossed, withstanding five million actuations. Autotex AM is also compatible with Windotex, which enables clear display windows to be incorporated on keypads.
number of people every day in hospitals across the country. So, using graphic overlays and keypads that have surface resistance to bacteria can be very beneficial.
Autotex AM with Microban, by MacDermid Autotype, is a unique substrate specially designed for any hygiene critical surface application. This has been extensively tested by independent laboratories and proven to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, fungi and moulds. The antimicrobial protection works by penetrating the cell wall of any micro-organisms that come into contact with the substrate, disrupting their cell functions, and rendering them unable to
14 May 2013
that nearly two thirds (63 per cent) expect the product to be used across the entire industry as awareness is raised. The research also found that almost all (88 per cent) see protection from superbugs as a major issue for customers.
Meeting standards If you are thinking of manufacturing membrane keypads and graphic overlays with antimicrobial substrates, it is important to use a reputable supplier, (as we have found that some manufacturers have tried to bring costs down by using cheaper and less effective materials). In our experience, only quality hard coated polyester films provide the combination of
Components in Electronics
Shielding Requirements Overlays and keypads must be impervious to interference from energy in order to protect internal components. Fascia has the ability to shield products from radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic waves (EMC) to reduce the risk of the product malfunctioning without compromising the reliability of the product.
Sealability
Especially in the medical sector where products are exposed to varied environments, graphic overlays and membrane keypads need to be protected against the intrusion of water and dirt to the switch cavity. Fascia can Ingress Protect
(IP) rate up to IP68, ensuring the keypad is sealed and cannot be damaged even if it comes into contact with medical fluids or if its submerged in water.
Chemical Resistance
Equipment within the medical sector requires regular cleaning with harsh chemicals to kill residual bacteria. Antimicrobial substrates are also petro- chemical resistant meaning that the keypad or overlay can be cleaned with detergents for further antibacterial protection, whilst remaining durable, resistant to scratching and scuffing, and ensuring a long product life.
Illumination
Integral LED's can also be incorporated into membrane keypads and overlays as warning or indicator lights and are an effective way of communicating the status of a device to patients and professionals, even in difficult lighting conditions and at awkward angles.
Hygiene is a major concern in hospitals and health-care environments, and issues of cleanliness and hygiene are also of paramount importance to electronic equipment manufacturers serving the medical sector. In conclusion, if medical manufacturers produce keypads and overlays with built in anti-microbial protection, it will help to keep equipment cleaner between cleanings, inhibit stains odours and degradation, and add another level of defence against the growth of harmful microbes. Although awareness of this material is still relatively low at present and it requires an additional investment, there is potentially a significant future demand from the medical equipment industry and its customers.
Fascia Graphics |
www.fasciagraphics.co.uk
Paul Bennett is the Managing Director of Fascia Graphics
www.cieonline.co.uk
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