Researchers recently have discovered that copper alloys destroy MRSA, norovirus and other pathogens, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
The alloys damage bacterial DNA and respiration, leading to cell breakdown, and inactivate certain viruses, often within hours, the article said.
Grinnell (Iowa) Regional Medical Center recently outfitted six of the 13 single rooms and three of the five double rooms in its medical-surgical suite with bed rails, toilet flush levers, grab bars, soap dispenser push plates, light switches, IV poles and other high touch surfaces made of copper alloy.
After terminal cleaning, 88 percent of the bacterial samples from rooms outfitted with copper fell below recommended concentration levels.
Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris
Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens
Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach
The High Cost of Healthcare Violence
EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments