X-STATIC calls for research proposals
To prove that soft surface fabrics should be considered in infection prevention programmes
Noble Biomaterials, a US manufacturer of X-STATIC antimicrobial technology, is asking for research proposals to generate evidence to support the need for soft surface bacterial management in healthcare settings outside operating theatres.
The call from the Scranton, PA-based company comes after recommendations from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) highlighted the issue of contaminated healthcare clothing in the hospital environment.
Although there are numerous studies proving that healthcare fabrics such as privacy curtains, lab coats, scrubs and linens, are contaminated with dangerous bacteria and that contamination occurs quickly after laundering 1, the SHEA guidance says the role of clothing in transmission of these micro-organisms to patients has not been established. It therefore describes areas of research that need to be investigated to drive hospital facilities to address this issue.
Noble says it will support two areas for study: the role that clothing (and additional healthcare fabrics) plays in the transmission of pathogens and its impact on healthcare associated infections (HAIs), as well as the impact of antimicrobial fabrics on the level of bacteria associated with those fabrics and a cost/benefit analysis of using these as a permanent solution.
Healthcare systems and researchers interested in working with Noble are encouraged to submit their proposals to email: research@x-static.com
X-STATIC is a silver-based antimicrobial solution proven to reduce 99.9% of bacteria on the surface of fabrics within one hour. The silver is bonded with textile fibres through a proprietary process and woven into finished products to create an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria on the surface of the fabric. It provides permanent protection between launderings, lasts the life of the product and since the antimicrobial is inherent in the fabric, it does not require staff to modify their behaviour.
1. Luebbert, P. Soft Surface Bacterial Contamination: Considerations for a Complete Infection Prevention Program. www.infectionpreventiontextiles.com/download-whitepaper.php