Antimicrobial copper alloys may soon make their way into healthcare facilities. The Copper Development Association (CDA) will exhibit antimicrobial door hardware and hospital accessories made of various copper alloys at the Healthcare Design 2009 Conference in Orlando, Fla. next month.
Architects, designers, facility managers and hospital administrators will be able to see first hand how one of the world’s oldest metals can be effective against bacteria* that thrive on high-touch surfaces and cause hospital-acquired infections.
“This is a great opportunity for CDA to educate architects and the healthcare community about the benefits of installing antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in healthcare facilities,” said Wayne Seale, a project manager with CDA who is representing the association at the conference. “This conference allows us to get in front of several markets at once and provide them with the latest clinical research to ensure a safe and secure environment for their patients, staff and visitors.”
Healthcare Design ‘09 is devoted to demonstrating how the design of responsible built environments directly impacts the safety, operation, clinical outcomes, and financial success of healthcare facilities now and into the future. The conference is being held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Oct. 31-Nov. 3.
CDA will showcase a 2-foot wide by 6-foot long table containing a backsplash and a front apron made of untreated copper alloys: copper-nickel, nickel-silver and phosphor bronze. The table’s legs will also be made of nickel silver. An IV stand made of copper-nickel with a nickel-silver finish will be featured in CDA’s booth. A standard 3-foot by 7-foot commercial door containing antimicrobial hardware, including a lockset made of Eco-Brass, nickel silver and copper nickel kick plates and push/pull handles, will also be on display.
