Avatech-Treated Uniforms Show Sustained Antimicrobial Efficacy in Hospital Study
By providing uniforms treated by Avatech to medical and healthcare staff in the emergency room at the United Christian Hospital, our study's primary objective was to evaluate the antimicrobial performance of Avatech over an extended period of usage and after repeated laundry cycles.
The uniform sets, which consist of a jacket and trousers, were manufactured from a treated cotton 35% / polyester 65% fabric with AvaTech antimicrobial technology. Healthcare workers were equipped with brand-new AvaTech antimicrobial uniforms at the outset of the field trial. These uniforms were subjected to the daily rigors of a healthcare environment, followed by standardized washing and drying procedures at the end of each shift. The same set of uniforms was then reused for the subsequent day, creating a realistic cycle of wear and care that reflects the true demands placed on healthcare attire.
To ensure a thorough evaluation, uniform samples were collected at the end of each month for five consecutive months. The bacterial count on these uniforms was meticulously investigated to monitor any changes over time. Additionally, the antimicrobial efficacies of each collected uniform, including both jackets and trousers, were quantitatively tested against the indicative pathogen S. aureus. The testing method employed was the AATCC TM 100, a recognized industry standard for assessing the antimicrobial activity of textile materials.
The primary objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the antimicrobial performance of AvaTech uniforms remains satisfactory despite continuous usage, exposure to a working environment filled with potential contaminants, and the repetitive, harsh laundering conditions typical in hospital settings. Key findings from the study include:
Sustained Antimicrobial Efficacy: The PHMB-treated healthcare uniforms demonstrated a consistent antimicrobial effect, maintaining over 99.9% efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae even after five months of use with over 150 rigorous hospital laundry cycles. This indicates that the antimicrobial properties of the fabric are durable and long-lasting, even under the rigorous conditions of daily wear and frequent laundering typical in hospital settings.
No Antimicrobial Resistance: The study emphasizes that there has been no reported antimicrobial resistance towards PHMB. This is a significant advantage, as it suggests that the risk of pathogens developing resistance to the antimicrobial agent is low, making PHMB a reliable choice for ongoing infection control measures.
Superior Durability: The research supports the practical application of Avatech in a real-world hospital environment. The antimicrobial coating is durable upon wear and tear to endure the harsh repetitive laundries for medical and healthcare industry.
Contribution to Infection Control: By minimizing the acquisition, retention, and transmission of infectious agents on textile products, the PHMB-treated uniforms have the potential to play a crucial role in reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). This could lead to improved patient safety and a reduction in the overall burden of HCAI in hospitals.
Overall, the study presents PHMB-treated textiles as a promising and innovative solution for enhancing infection control practices in healthcare environments. The documented effectiveness of the fabric after extended use and laundry processes suggests that it could be a valuable addition to the existing infection prevention and control strategies in hospitals.
Source: Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051203
