EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – One in 25 hospitalized patients is battling a hospital-acquired infection (HAI), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  ATEK Access Technologies, LLC today released the Larco CopperShield push-plate, an automatic door activation switch made from CuVerro® bactericidal copper.

Unlike silver coatings or any other touch-surface metal, CuVerro is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill more than 99.9 percent of bacteria*, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), within two hours, when cleaned regularly.  CopperShield is the only push-plate switch that utilizes a solid bactericidal material approved by the EPA for use in hospitals in the U.S. 

“The CopperShield push plate is an integral part of our improved infection control plan,” said Ed Harrich, director of surgical services at Pullman Regional Hospital in Pullman, Wash.  “Its ability to continuously combat bacteria falls right in line with the culture of ‘patient safety first.’  We take great pride in our infection rates being below one percent, and the Larco CopperShield wall switch will help us further supplement our current infection control program because of its inherent ability to kill bacteria that cause these infections.”

CopperShield push plates made with CuVerro help inhibit build-up and growth of bacteria between routine cleaning and sanitizing, and continuously kill bacteria.  They are offered in 4.5 inch and 6-inch square sizes, and feature a handicap logo and “press to open” engraving on 18-gauge brushed copper alloy.  The push plates can be mounted directly into electrical or universal mounting boxes, and can be hardwired or connected wirelessly to the door.     

“HAIs can be devastating to a hospital’s revenue and reputation, and even deadly to patients,” said Scott Gardeen, senior product manager for Larco products.  “CopperShield push plates provide the kind of protection from infectious bacteria* patients and employees in the healthcare industry deserve.” 

In addition to healthcare facilities, CopperShield push plates are ideal for use in clean rooms, pharmacies, restrooms, restaurants, and anywhere hygiene and convenience are required. 

Larco is an ATEK Access Technologies brand and leader in access technologies for public entrances. For more information about Larco products, including the CopperShield push plate, visit www.larco.com. 

About ATEK Access Technologies

ATEK Access Technologies, LLC is part of the ATEK Companies group of technology and manufacturing businesses.  Its industry-leading brands use the power of advanced machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies to provide customers access to superior efficiencies and savings, essential data and systems, improved safety and control, and expert solutions and support.  Its brands include Datakey, Larco and TankScan.  For more information, visit www.atekaccess.com. 

*Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, CuVerro surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli O157:H7, and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). 

The use of CuVerro® antimicrobial copper products are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. This surface has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination. CuVerro® is a registered trademark of GBC Metals, LLC and is used with permission (L-0005-1404). See www.CuVerro.com for more details.