In a new study presented at the 112th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Francisco, Shield® fabrics reduced 99.9 percent of bacteria within one hour, eliminating almost all the microorganisms that contaminate hospital curtains. Dr. Guiqing Wang and Alexander Kryszuk, two researchers from the New York Medical College (NYMC) in Valhalla, N.Y., completed the study of Shield®, a fabric that reduces the contamination of hospital privacy curtains.
The NYMC researchers found that, when compared to the standard-fabric and non-fabric control samples, the Shield® fabrics demonstrated significant antimicrobial effectiveness against the pathogens, including multidrug-resistant microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and the common MDR Gram-negative bacilli examined.
Our customers have told us time and again the importance of clean surfaces, says Mark Alan, senior vice president of product management and development for InPro. We saw the potential in Shield® and have met the needs of the industry by reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Wang concluded that Shield fabrics can play a role in reducing contamination of privacy curtains in hospital environments. InPro Corporation funded the study through a grant to NYMC, and is the sole North American distributor of Shield® fabrics.
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.