Vestagen Technical Textiles today announced the completion of the first clinical trial involving its Vestex nanotechnology-based products. The clinical trial was conducted by the Department of Epidemiology and Infection Control at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Medical research has consistently documented that garments and fabrics used in the healthcare environment including scrubs, uniforms, lab coats, privacy curtains and gowns are contaminated with high levels of dangerous microbes such as MRSA, which may pose a threat to health care workers, their patients and the community.
The 16-week, blinded cross-over clinical trial compared levels of bacterial contamination, known as Colony Forming Unit (CFU) counts, on Vestex treated scrubs versus standard scrubs. More than 300 cultures were performed on 32 healthcare workers in a medical respiratory intensive care unit.
The landmark study was led by Gonzalo Bearman, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, epidemiology and community medicine at VCU. "The results for this study are encouraging," said Bearman, "as the Vestex scrubs had significantly fewer MRSA colonies."
"We are very pleased with the outcome of The Virginia Commonwealth University research of our technology," said Ben Favret, president and CEO of Vestagen. "This data further supports the evidence-based research documenting the clinical, operational and financial benefits of Vestex."
The performance of Vestex is the result of impregnated nano-sized particles that change the surface area of the fabric, increasing surface tension. The proprietary technology creates a barrier to contaminants and fluids such as blood. The repellency of the barrier protection sheds bulk contaminants allowing the imbeddedantimicrobial properties of Vestex to control microorganisms on the fabric.
"We hope that this technology, when coupled with hand hygiene and other infection control measures, will aid in the prevention of hospital acquired infections and protect healthcare workers," said Bearman
