Copper fights infection

A study carried out at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham has shown that surfaces made with materials that contain copper kill a wide range of potentially harmful micro-organisms – significantly reducing the number of these organisms that can come into contact with patients, visitors and staff.

The study found that, when tested, items made from copper had up to 95 per cent fewer micro-organisms on them, compared with the same items made out of standard materials such as stainless steel. The study, begun in March last year, was led by Professor Tom Elliott, a Consultant Microbiologist and Deputy Medical Director at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Selly Oak Hospital.

He said: “What this must mean is that the risk of picking up an infection is reduced, because we know that one of the vehicles where organisms can spread from one surface to another is by touching them. So the results are very exciting.

More IV news at IVTEAM

Other stories

• Electronic care record
• Anti-bacterial coating research
• Last chance – free study day
• Fluid balance in AKI
• IV occlusion and vitamin E
• Huber needle safety
• Neonatal IV dressing
• Intravenous (IV) drips sabotaged
• Flu – impact on blood supplies
• Needlestick fine
• Community intravenous (IV) therapy team
• Weight gain following IV fluids

Add IVTEAM to Technorati Favorites