Film protects medical alarms from microbes
A
MacDermid Autotype product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Aug 18, 2008
Autotex AM hard coated film incorporates a specially developed Microban antimicrobial agent, which is evenly distributed throughout the film coating.
The latest Autotex AM hard coated film, developed and manufactured by MacDermid Autotype, is playing a vital role in graphic overlays used to provide antimicrobial protection in a new range of medical gas area alarms.
These alarms, supplied by BeaconMedaes are used in hospitals to monitor the supply and condition of vital medical gasses, in operating theatres and intensive care units, where some of the most vulnerable imunosuppressed patients are treated and cared for, and where the need to prevent infection is greatest.
The graphic overlays have been designed and produced by Fascia Graphics, the market leader for the production of membrane keypads in the printed graphics industry.
The company's Managing Director, Paul Bennett, explains: "The gas alarm systems from BeaconMedaes use remote monitoring panels that are often located in hygiene critical areas, such as operating theatres, to enable staff to check the condition of gas supply mechanisms used during various medical procedures".
"Research has shown that hand contact with contaminated surfaces can rapidly transfer bacteria to other surfaces as well as to individuals and it is therefore essential that working surfaces are free from contamination to eliminate the risk of infection to vulnerable patients".
The new overlays are produced using MacDermid Autotype's innovative Autotex AM hard coated film.
This incorporates a specially developed Microban antimicrobial agent, which is evenly distributed throughout the film coating to ensure that the antimicrobial properties persist for the lifetime of the film.
Just as importantly, Autotex AM is capable of eliminating the threat from infection caused by a large number of strains of bacteria, including MRSA, salmonella enteritidis, escherichia coli and listeria monocytogenes.
In addition, the unique formulation and method of application of the hard surface coating used in Autotex AM provides a tough, durable outer surface that is scratch and chemical resistant, and can withstand the rigours of everyday use and the most aggressive cleaning methods.
The film also has a high performance ink primer on its reverse side, which has been developed for use with a wide range of graphic inks, providing excellent colour rendition and high image definition.
The new range of medical gas area alarms from BeaconMedaes includes the Medipoint 26 area alarm and Medipoint 125 central alarm, both of which use overlays that combine textured graphics and clear display windows.
As Paul Bennett points out: "Although the antimicrobial properties of Autotex AM were of prime importance in selecting an appropriate overlay material for this project, it was also essential that the film was easy for us to handle and print using our advanced automated production lines".
"Our experience has shown that Autotex AM is both simple to process and, where techniques such as embossing need to be used, can provide excellent mechanical and chemical characteristics that enable it to be used in a wide range of demanding and hygiene critical applications".
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Contact MacDermid Autotype
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