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 | | CRABTREE ANTIMICROBIAL ACCESSORIES TESTED AT HEARTLANDS | | | Crabtree | | 03/01/2008 | | | Further extensive news coverage in the national press suggests that the continuing fight against healthcare associated infections, HCAI, such as MRSA, in our healthcare environments is far from won. In conjunction with BioCote®, Crabtree, have developed a range of anti-microbial electrical switches and socket outlets utilizing silver, which help to reduce cross contamination. Trials carried out at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust have shown the technology to be exceptionally effective.
The Crabtree accessories contain silver, a natural antimicrobial, with a high efficacy against bacteria, mould and fungi. When micro-organisms come into contact with the silver, their ability to reproduce is inhibited and they die.
The environmental trial compared two out-patient wards in the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, one containing furniture and equipment treated with BioCote® technology including Crabtree electrical accessories and one containing standard, untreated items. Results from the trials showed that the facility at Heartlands using the protected products had 95.8% less bacteria present in the environment, than the standard ward.
These initial indications show that using anti-microbial products in a hospital environment can lead to a reduction in bacterial colonisation, resulting in a more hygienic environment for patients. With fewer bacteria in the environment, it is logical that the risks of cross contamination are reduced and consequently the risks of patients being infected with “superbugs” such as MRSA are reduced.
With NHS Trusts facing increased pressure from The Healthcare Commission to improve hygiene standards, these and other BioCote® protected products can complement cleaning and hand hygiene practices by lowering bacteria counts in hygiene-conscious environments.
During the manufacture of these accessories, Crabtree use a silver additive, developed by BioCote®. Continued quality control testing has confirmed bacteria are inhibited 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. However, the technology should not be used to replace cleaning. Once impregnated with the silver ion technology, the accessories maintain an active concentration of ions on the surface preventing any bacterial growth for the life expectancy of the product. | |
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