Incorporation of copper alloys into clinical settings may reduce the presence of microbial organisms, according to research published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemology.
For their study, 14 "frequent-touch" items made of copper alloy were installed in various locations at a university hospital. The "frequent-touch" items included door handles, push plates, toilet seats, grab rails, light switches and more. These surfaces were sampled once a week for 24 weeks.
Their analysis showed eight of the 14 copper items had significantly lower counts of microbial organisms, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, than the standard items. The other six copper items had reduced presence of microorganisms but not at a statistically significant level.
For their study, 14 "frequent-touch" items made of copper alloy were installed in various locations at a university hospital. The "frequent-touch" items included door handles, push plates, toilet seats, grab rails, light switches and more. These surfaces were sampled once a week for 24 weeks.
Their analysis showed eight of the 14 copper items had significantly lower counts of microbial organisms, such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, than the standard items. The other six copper items had reduced presence of microorganisms but not at a statistically significant level.
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