Medline Industries, Inc. recently launched the first wheelchair exclusively featuring built-in Microban® antimicrobial protection that provides an added level of protection against damaging microbes such as bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. The chair is currently patent pending.
All major contact surfaces on Medline's new Excel XW (extra wide) wheelchair are infused with Microban® antimicrobial protection, including all upholstery, surfaces, pushrims, tires, painted frame, and other contact surfaces, keeping these surfaces cleaner between cleanings.
"By incorporating Microban® antimicrobial technology, we are making a promise to our customers that our wheelchairs provide continuous, durable and effective antimicrobial protection," says Rich Derks, president of Medline's Durable Medical Equipment Division. "What this means is that our customers can rely on our wheelchairs being high quality and long lasting."
The Medline wheelchairs with Microban protection also feature arm pads that adjust between desk length and full length position with the push of a button. The wheelchair has a seat size of 22 inches wide by 18 inches deep, a weight capacity of 500 pounds and a detachable, elevating footrest.
The new Excel XW will be on display at Medtrade in Atlanta, Oct. 24-27, 2011Â at booth 1638.
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.