In a claimed world first, it has been reported that ‘antimicrobial copper’ surfaces in a Greek hospital ICU have not only reduced contamination but, due to a ‘halo effect’, have also lowered contamination on adjacent surfaces.
The Copper Development Association says the results from a clinical trial of antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in a neonatal ICU at Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital in Athens showed that, alongside contamination being 90% lower on the copper surfaces, non-copper surfaces up to 50 cm away exhibited a reduction in contamination of over 70% (compared with surfaces not in copper’s proximity). In the trial, frequently touched surfaces such as door furniture, work surfaces, drawer tops, and handles, were replaced with antimicrobial copper items. The ‘evidence’ of antimicrobial copper’s positive effect accords with the findings of previous clinical trials in the UK, US, and Chile. The ‘halo effect’ was also observed in a 2010 trial at a US outpatient clinic, but the CDA says this is the first time it has been seen in an intensive care unit.
