Noble Biomaterials Calls for Research Proposals

Noble Biomaterials, Inc., manufacturer of X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology announces a call for research proposals to generate hard evidence supporting the need for soft surface bacterial management in healthcare settings. The call for proposals comes after newly released recommendations from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) shed light on the issue of contaminated healthcare personnel apparel in the hospital environment. 

Our vision to be the premier provider of bacterial management solutions for healthcare includes supporting the industry to generate the evidence-based practice it needs, says Karin Mueller, vice president of marketing at Noble. We expect our infection prevention partners to hold us to that standard and were equipped to meet and exceed those expectations.

There are numerous studies proving healthcare fabrics such as privacy curtains, lab coats, scrubs and linens, are contaminated with dangerous bacteria and that contamination occurs quickly after laundering.(1) However, the SHEA guidance describes certain research gaps needed to drive facilities to address this issue.

Noble pledges to support two such areas: the role attire (and additional healthcare fabrics) plays in the transmission of pathogens and its impact on healthcare associated infections (HAIs), as well as the impact of antimicrobial fabrics on the level of bacteria associated with those fabrics and a cost/benefit analysis of using these as a permanent solution. Healthcare systems and researchers interested in working with Noble are encouraged to submit proposals to research@x-static.com.  

X-STATIC® is an EPA-registered, silver based antimicrobial solution proven to reduce 99.9 percent of bacteria on the surface of fabrics within one hour.(2) Products powered by X-STATIC® are protected by a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver is bonded with textile fibers through a proprietary process and woven into finished products to create an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria on the surface of the fabric. It provides permanent protection between launderings, lasts the life of the product and since the antimicrobial is inherent in the fabric, it does not require modification in staff behavior.  X-STATIC® has undergone extensive safety testing and is used by Olympic athletes, elite military forces, NASA astronauts and many of the world's premier consumer brands. 

References

1. Luebbert P. Soft Surface Bacterial Contamination: Considerations for a Complete Infection Prevention Program. http://www.infectionpreventiontextiles.com/download-whitepaper.php
2. Data on file at Noble Biomaterials.

Source: Noble Biomaterials