infection control – special report
example in neonatal units, intensive care units and burns units,” she said. There are more than 200 companies
globally that now offer products made from, or incorporating, copper and copper alloys. And ongoing studies are expected to
boost that number over the coming months and years. Vessey said: “Basic components are
readily available and there can be a small, or no, cost difference, but the effect on infection prevention make them much more attractive.” Allgood is one of those
manufacturers, providing a wide range of copper alloy ironmongery products, including the Contego range.
Breaking the chain The company’s spokesman, Franz Lorenschitz, said “HCAIs put additional pressure on healthcare systems – making breaking the chain of infection of paramount importance. “Although stringent hygiene and
cleaning practices aid this process; preventing the spread of infections by incorporating antimicrobial copper ironmongery for high-frequency touch points, such as door handles,
can prove extremely effective. “Eradicating well-known pathogens,
antimicrobial copper can effectively inactivate bacteria, fungi and viruses. In addition, as this quality is intrinsic to the metal, it never wears out or expires and will continue to break down pathogens 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This presents several benefits for healthcare environments.” Armitage Shanks has incorporated
copper components into its Markwik 21+ mixer tap; while Screwfix has added a range of copper light switches by British manufacturer, Varilight, to its catalogue. These are just a few examples of how
manufacturers are using evidence to enhance their R&D activities.
But, what is needed to further
increase the range of products available are firm testing methods against which the efficacy of newly-produced items can be judged. Vessey said: “This is the next stage
for us and we hope that soon there will be firm guidance which will enable manufacturers to increase the number of products available, and will give specifiers the reassurance they need to install these as part of their ongoing infection prevention and control measures.”
www.allgood.co.uk www.idealspec.co.uk www.screwfix.com www.varilight.co.uk
What makes copper products particularly popular is that their bug-busting effect is continuous and has been proven to be far more effective under typical indoor conditions than products containing additives such as silver.
healthcaredm.co.uk 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63
