Antimicrobial-impregnated soft and solid surfaces can be tools to reduce pathogens in patient environments, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
Antimicrobial products include antimicrobial sinks, door knobs, bed rails, paint, carpet, furniture, patient gowns, employee scrubs and privacy curtains and other near patient items, the article said.
The antimicrobials used for solid surfaces include copper and silver.
Antimicrobials in soft surfaces include triclosan, silane quaternary ammonium, zinc pyrithione and silver-based compounds.