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Product category: Materials and components
News Release from: MacDermid Autotype | Subject: Autotex AM
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial Team on 02 May 2006

Antimicrobial substrate helps fight
superbugs

Revolutionary film substrates offer a tool for infection control, to protect hygiene critical surface applications in the healthcare environment against bacterial contamination, says Emma Scowen.

Around 9% of all UK patients contract an infection while in hospital, and it is now widely recognised throughout the healthcare industry how easily the spread of bacteria and cross contamination can occur Initiatives have been introduced that focus on individual components of cleanliness such as hand washing, but the problem is still escalating, with latest figures showing that more people die from healthcare acquired infections each year than in traffic accidents in the UK

It is clear that improved cleaning alone is not enough.

Regular cleaning can remove existing microbes and bacteria from surfaces but will not protect them from being recontaminated the next time they are touched.

Healthcare premises must therefore incorporate intrinsic protection to reverse the current trend and stop the spread of bacteria.

Having recognised the issue, product designers and manufacturing engineers are increasingly aware of the need to find ways of enhancing the safety and performance of products and systems.

They are actively seeking new materials and processes that will enable them to create a new generation of bacteria resistant medical equipment and surface coverings that will protect both patients and healthcare staff alike.

One key technical development is the use of advanced plastics and film substrates, which are used in the production of equipment keyboards and displays and the protective layers on exposed surfaces, for example surface claddings, table tops, doors walls and shelves.

Recent research and development has led to the introduction of a ground breaking antimicrobial substrate, called Autotex AM, that features built-in defences to provide dependable and constant protection against bacterial contamination.

Developed jointly by MacDermid Autotype and Microban International, the new film is the first of its kind to be designed and manufactured specifically for this purpose.

As well as its antimicrobial properties the film is scratch and chemical resistant, provides a tough and durable surface, and is capable of withstanding prolonged use in the most demanding environments, making it ideal for use with scanners and hospital ward equipment, shelf and bench tops, wall coverings and storage areas for surgical instruments.

Surfaces that are made using this hard-wearing material incorporate Microban antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mould and mildew.

The Microban antimicrobial technology is incorporated into the durable hard coat during manufacturing, ensuring an even distribution of the active agent throughout the texture and film surface.

Testing carried out by a leading independent inspection body, using standard test protocols simulating real-life cleaning regimes over 15 years, demonstrated that the film can inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and moulds including Listeria Monocytogenes, Klebsiella spp, Escherichia Coli, Salmonella Enteridis and MRSA over the life of equipment or surfaces.

The reverse side of the film substrate is primed to receive a wide range of standard graphic inks, for silk screen and inkjet printing, making it easy to produce bright and vibrant graphics for use in, for example, children's wards.

On top of the practical benefits in healthcare applications, the use of such products provides peace of mind and reassurance for staff, private health insurers and patients.

Staff in particular can feel confident in the knowledge of decreased risk to patients and improved hygiene levels in the workplace.

At the same time, patients, family members and visitors can also be comforted by the fact that the establishment has a high level of hygiene and safety.

As legislation and regulatory guidelines for hospital cleanliness become more rigorous, the use of specific preventative measures focusing on decreased bacterial contamination will serve to increase a hospital's capacity to meet and exceed expectations.

Thanks to the recent developments, products that inhibit bacteria and provide a constant protection against bacterial contamination are becoming widely available for use in many various applications.

By combining the use of such products with a regime that includes hand washing and the standard cleaning techniques, the battle for higher levels of cleanliness and sterility in healthcare environments is one that can most certainly be won. Request a free brochure from MacDermid Autotype ...

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