Congressional Funds Awarded for Testing of Antimicrobial Cop...(The clinical trials follow peer-reviewed...),Health

Date:11/15/2007

>The clinical trials follow peer-reviewed research conducted at the University of Southampton in the U.K. proving copper, brass and bronze can quickly and efficiently eradicate several different pathogens which are the source of many hospital-acquired infections. Estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that infections acquired in U.S. hospitals affect some two million individuals every year, resulting in nearly 100,000 deaths annually and costing the healthcare industry some $30 billion. It is widely believed those numbers will grow, unless more effective measures are implemented.

The touch surfaces trials will determine how well natural copper, brass and bronze surfaces mitigate infectious microbes, decrease cross-contamination and ultimately help reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in patients. Rates of infection are being measured using three indicator organisms: MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii. The surfaces involved in the study are typically made of coated carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel or plastic, which have little or no effect in controlling pathogens.

The studies are being conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medial Center, both in Charleston, South Carolina. Previous studies were conducted by ATS Labs in Eagan, Minnesota, under test protocols established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They show solid copper alloys are more than 99.9% effective on five pathogens commonly found in healthcare facilities. The tests have been submitted to EPA as part of a registration process to secure approval for making human health claims for the copper metals.

The companion study compares copper air-conditioning system components, including heat exchangers and drip pans, with components made of aluminum as to their ability to control the g
'/>"/>

SOURCE Copper Development Association Copyright©2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

0 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine technology :

1. Baxter Awarded Pandemic Advanced Supply Contract from the Department of Health
2. Federal Funding Awarded to Test Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Metals
3. Virogenomics, Inc. Awarded $2 Million National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Technology Program Grant to Develop Integrated Diagnostic Biosensors
4. Nobel Prize Awarded to Foundation for Biomedical Research Board Member
5. National Jewish, Brigham and Womens Awarded $37 Million to Identify Genes and Other Risk Factors that Influence the Development of COPD
6. SAIC Awarded Malaria Vaccine Production Support Contract Extension by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
7. California Legislature Passes Historic HIV Testing Bill (AB 682); AHF Urges Governor to Sign Crucial Lifesaving Legislation
8. Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. and CHDI, Inc. Enter Into Compound Testing Agreement to Evaluate OXIGON(TM) as a Potential Treatment for Huntington Disease
9. Signalife Completes Testing of Modules for Holter and Intra-Cardiac Monitor
10. deCODE Launches Phase II Clinical Testing of DG051 for the Prevention of Heart Attack
11. Facet Solutions AFRS(TM) Demonstrates Biomechanical Advantages Over Dynamic Stabilization in Independent Testing