Reducing Bioburden: How Copper-Infused Linens Support Infection Control Goals

As health care facilities continue to battle persistent and costly health care-associated infections (HAIs), leaders in infection prevention and textiles science are seeking new tools to strengthen existing bundles. In this installment of the recent Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®) roundtable on copper-infused textiles and issues around health care textiles, the experts explored how copper-infused linens may offer hospitals a powerful way to reduce bioburden, bolster patient safety, and support antimicrobial resistance efforts.

The conversation opened with an essential question. How do we measure success when adopting a new infection prevention strategy? “Is it reduced bio burden? Is it lower infection incidence? Is it fewer antibiotic courses?” asked the moderator. The answer, several panelists agreed, requires both scientific rigor and operational practicality.

Michael Schmidt, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, addressed the challenge directly. “Metrics are challenging, and the Holy Grail is a lower HAI rate in a particular unit, but that is a very expensive number to generate.” He explained that the most meaningful way to evaluate copper-infused linens is to integrate them into existing infection control bundles and compare HAI rates over 6 to 12 months. Hospitals already track these trends, which makes it possible to determine whether the addition of copper textiles has an effect.

Schmidt also emphasized the economic and ethical stakes. “From the patient’s selfish perspective, I do not want to get sick while I am being treated for being sick. They are very much the customer, and we, the health care team, should be held to a responsibility to introduce things that can lower the risk of them becoming a victim of circumstance.”

Maggie Thieman, MD, vice president of postacute services at West Virginia University Health System and medical director for Vivothreads, tied this to organizational values. “Any health system that suggests they put the patient or customer first should absolutely be on the cutting edge of these antimicrobial textiles because that would be truly putting the patient first.”

The panel also discussed the surprising financial realities that influence HAI reduction strategies. The moderator reacted with shock upon hearing that some hospitals write off HAIs as a cost of doing business. Schmidt confirmed that reality. “It is effectively the cost of doing business. This is why HAI or health care is the dirty secret.”

The science behind copper-infused cotton textiles has attracted significant interest. Schmidt explained, “The microbes have to be in proximity. The copper ion is what facilitates this process.” Unlike older products that discolored or degraded, today’s copper-embedded cotton fabrics perform consistently without oxidizing. Thieman noted, “They stay white. They stay clean. They do not disintegrate.”

Avi Rosenzweig, CEO and board member of Vivothreads, expanded on the technology. “Cotton is an open fiber, so the entire surface area of the copper is exposed and active. Because of that, we are able to get a much faster kill rate.” He highlighted that their materials use far less copper while achieving better microbial reduction. “We had one fortieth the amount of copper, and we killed more in 30 minutes than they did in 5 hours.”

Beyond performance, the textile industry faces a major modernization challenge. Eddie Lefeaux, CEO and cofounder of Westport Linen Services, noted that in 2026 health care linen replacement costs are expected to reach 1 billion dollars. “That is a lot of sheets,” he said, underscoring the value of durable antimicrobial products.

The panel concluded by encouraging health care systems to test copper-infused linens in real clinical settings. As Schmidt stated, “Let us do the experiment. See if it works.” For hospitals seeking safer environments and stronger infection bundles, this may be an important next step.

The first installment is here.

The second installment is here.