The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2 million patients suffer from healthcare associated infections each year. Of those 90,000 are fatalities – 2,000 to 3,000 resulting from airborne fungal infections.

In spite of good hygienic practices by healthcare professionals, patients receiving routine operations are becoming increasingly susceptible to developing hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) through the spread of microbes – commonly known as bacteria, fungi, or mold. In the healthcare environment, everything can become susceptible to contamination, aiding in the transfer of microbes.

That is why Concert Architectural Interiors is a provider of Antimicrobial Cabinets by Steel Solutions USA™. The antimicrobial coating contains a silver solution additive proven effective at destroying drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, mold and other microbes.

HOW IT WORKS

The surfaces are treated with a silver-ion (Ag) additive paint. When microbes come into contact with the treated surface, silver ions are released to the surface to destroy the microbes. These silver ions inhibit the growth and reproduction of microbes in three ways:

     1. Suffocation – by attacking the cell wall

     2. Starvation – by interrupting cell metabolism

     3. Sterilization – by preventing cell reproduction

Consider this fact: A hospital in Honolulu reported 120 to 130 MRSA cases a year resulting in $4.2 million in additional expenses. When considering $35,000 per patient, preventative measures seem well worth the time and investment.

To learn more about antimicrobial modular casework contact a Concert representative at (800) 462-0448, email us at info@concertai.com, or go to the Steel Solutions USA™ website by clicking on the logo below.

Article adapted from the Steel Solutions USA™ corporate brochure article entitled “Antimicrobial Cabinets” (pgs 14-15): http://www.steelsolutionsusa.com/pdfdocs/SSUSA_Corporate_Brochure.pdf. Original Sources: © Healthcare Construction & Operations 2009, © 2002-2008 Joint Commission Resources, © 2009, The Honolulu Advertiser, © 2009 DuPont CoatingSolutions, and www.agion-tech.com.

Disclaimer: Although antimicrobial technology is safe and effective, it does not replace the need for good hygienic practices. Antimicrobial protection is limited to the treated item only and does not protect a user against disease-causing bacteria. Always clean products thoroughly after each use.