Vestagen Announces Completion of First Clinical Trial of Vestex
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
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.
