INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Microban said: “Built-in antimicrobial product protection can make up for the limited residual activity offered by traditional disinfectants.”
Antimicrobial silver technology Long-lasting cleanliness can be achieved with the help of antimicrobial silver technology – such as Microban’s SilverShield – which can be added to non- woven fabrics at the stage of manufacture, actively eliminating bacterial growth on the surface of the curtain for its usable lifetime. The antimicrobial capacity of silver has been known for centuries, and it was even used in ancient medicine for applications such as wound dressings, long before the existence of microbes was understood. Silver ions are thought to interact with membrane-related enzymes to prevent the growth and proliferation of microbes, and their multi-modal attack reduces the risk of triggering the development of new drug-resistant strains. Silver ion technology demonstrates an inhibitory action against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, including MRSA, and is not affected by harsh cleaning chemicals. The antimicrobial additive is carefully balanced with other important curtain features, such as fire retardance, so that quality, safety, and material durability, are not sacrificed, giving patients and staff further reassurance.
Putting healthcare’s best foot forward Medical professionals and their uniforms can act as one of the most mobile vectors for microbes within hospitals; a study that looked at the uniforms of over 100 hospital staff found that up to 60% were colonised with bacteria, including multi-drug resistant microorganisms.4 In some countries, such as the UK, domestic laundering of scrubs is standard, which means that personnel may bring potentially harmful organisms home with them on a regular basis. In response to this high-risk situation, antimicrobial uniform footwear has been designed specifically for use by healthcare workers. The antimicrobial product protection is integrated into each shoe, so that it
remains active even after general wear and tear or washing. This technology has been proven to be effective against a wide range of pathogens, including S. aureus, and thus helps to minimise the risk of cross-contamination between surfaces in healthcare settings, while improving the cleanliness of the shoes between washes.
Gaining the upper hand Another built-in antimicrobial solution is zinc, which is recognised by the Biocidal Products Regulations in Europe for its broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria and fungi. Zinc pyrithione technology – such as Microban’s ZPTech – has already been incorporated into hard-coated polyester films that can be used for graphics applications, including machine- user interfaces. This durable, scratch- resistant film has been applied to a variety of high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings that often have a large microbial bioburden, such as door push panels, touchscreens, and handheld control sets for adjustable beds. The technology is not affected by the manufacturing processes, or continual everyday use, and thus remains effective for the usable lifetime of the item.
Looking ahead to a cleaner future A systematic, multi-modal approach to cleaning is imperative in creating cleaner and more durable healthcare environments. Microbial control precautions in hospitals need to consider every possible vector and reservoir of contamination. Built-in antimicrobial product protection can make up for the limited residual activity offered by traditional disinfectants, helping to control the growth of the harmful microbes that also cause product deterioration, odours, and stains. These technologies can be added to both soft and hard furnishings, complementing regular cleaning strategies to ensure optimum microbial control and greater peace of mind.
References 1 The Benefits of Antimicrobial Protection. Available from: https://www.microban. com/antimicrobial-solutions/overview/ benefits-of-antimicrobial-protection.
2 Ohl M. et al. Hospital privacy curtains are frequently and rapidly contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria. Am J Infect Control 2012; 40:904-906.
3 Das I. et al. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter and role of curtains in an outbreak in intensive care units. J Hosp Infect 2002: 50 (2):110-114.
4 Wiener-Well Y et al. Nursing and physician attire as possible source of nosocomial infections. Am J Infect Control 2011: 39 (7):555-559.
Jonathan Clapp
Jonathan Clapp is the International senior technical manager at Microban. Leveraging more than 20 years’ experience in polymer engineering, he provides frontline technical support to product manufacturers across Europe and Asia. This includes overseeing the successful integration of antimicrobial additives into a range of products and surfaces within healthcare environments. He holds a BEng degree in Polymer Science and Technology.
March 2023 Health Estate Journal 37
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