FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2011
For more information please contact: SCRA Micki Howard 843.760.3329 office 843.697.9226 mobile micki.howard@scra.org
SCRA-led Program Reduces Infection Rates, Prevents Hospital Infections Antimicrobial Copper Technology Reduces Bacteria by 97 Percent
Charleston, SC - October 21, 2011 - SCRA today announced that results from a comprehensive, multi-site clinical trial concluded that the use of anti-microbial copper surfaces in intensive care hospital rooms reduced bacteria by 97 percent, resulting in a 41 percent reduction in hospital-acquired infections. These results demonstrate that when bacteria in patients' rooms are reduced, infection risk is significantly lowered.* The study results will be presented today at the annual conference of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in Boston.
The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense**, was designed to determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper in reducing the level of pathogens in hospital rooms, and whether such a reduction would translate into a lower rate of infection. Common in-room hospital objects including bed rails, overbed tray tables, nurse call buttons and IV poles were replaced with antimicrobial copper versions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, both in Charleston, SC. SCRA's Applied R&D Division has managed the program since its inception in 2007, capitalizing on their outstanding relationships with both the Department of Defense, and the US Copper Development Association.
Dr. Michael Schmidt, a research leader and Vice Chairman of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, has found that bacteria on ICU room surfaces are responsible for up to 80 percent of patient infections. Objects in hospital patient rooms are a potential breeding ground for bacteria that cause infections.
"SCRA's Applied R&D Division, formerly ATI, continues to lead outstanding collaborations that produce real results," said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. "This study proves that antimicrobial copper can reduce bacteria and mitigate risk to patients. We are delighted with these outcomes and look forward to continued successes through our copper programs."
About SCRA
SCRA is an applied research company with over 28 years of experience in delivering technology solutions with high returns on investment to federal and corporate clients. Our Applied R&D affiliate manages over 100 national and international programs worth over $1.4B in contract value, and our technology-based economic development affiliate helps early-stage companies to commercialize innovations and create jobs. In support of our mission, SCRA builds and manages research facilities that include wet labs, secure rooms for sensitive work and advanced high-tech manufacturing shops.
*The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation.
**This work is supported by the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command under Contract No. W81XWH-07-C-0053.