Reducing Microbial Contamination in Hospital Blankets

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 04, 2007 – The medical industry is challenged by the presence of microorganisms and the negative effects they cause. Deterioration, defacement and odors are all dramatic effects which occur from the microbial contamination of surfaces as varied as carpeting and medical non-woven fabrics. These surfaces can also act as a microbial "harbor", as most offer ideal environments for the proliferation of microorganisms that are harmful to buildings, textiles and humans. The ability to make surfaces resistant to microbial contamination has advantages in many applications and market segments.

This is especially true in medical markets where many products have contributed a degree of aseptic sophistication beyond that required of consumer products. Surfaces used in medical applications have unique microbial problems and their control is a complex task. The microbiological integrity of surfaces has been the object of numerous studies ranging from bacterial loading of carpeting to the evaluation of the barrier properties of non-woven fabrics.

Test data generated with surfaces treated with the ÆGIS Microbe Shield™, technology support the fact that it contributes positively to the reduction of microorganisms in the medical environment. This contribution has been part of the medical community actions aimed at improving the hygienic nature of their environment as they take steps towards asepsis. To read more on the test data, please visit http://www.aegisasia.com/Reducing-Microbia-Contamination ...

BLANKET STUDIES

ÆGIS Environments participated with Spartan Mills and the Virkler Company in studying
blankets that were treated with the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology and blankets that were untreated. In any environment, blankets can become a haven for bacteria. These bacteria usually represent a spectrum of Gram positive and Gram negative organisms capable of producing infections, staining, deterioration and odors. In a hospital environment, fever and sweat are common and an excellent source of bacterial contamination. In an effort to evaluate the effects a hospital environment has on treated and untreated blankets two separate studies were undertaken.

The first Asimulation@ study was initiated to simulate the types of exposures blankets receive when in use on a feverish patient. The second Ain-use@ study was initiated to determine the effectiveness of the antimicrobial on blankets when stored and used within a care facility.

Summary

The In-use study on Spartan Mills blankets correlates well with the simulated study
undertaken earlier in the year. Both studies clearly show that blankets protected by the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology have a significantly lower bioburden and will present less of a risk in the patient environment. Historical data generated by American Hospital Supply and Dow Corning Corporation support these findings.

These data generated by university, medical and industrial laboratories represent some of the most extensive microbiological work ever performed on antimicrobial treated substrates for use in the medical community. The control of the microorganisms is impressive and provides numerous benefits. Blankets, protected by the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology, clearly provide an added step towards asepsis for the health care environment.

Clients who are interested in applying their blankets for commercial sales or their hospital, can contact http://www.aegisasia.com for more information.