healthcare textiles and laundry
healthcare textiles and laundry
By Gregory Gicewicz
Harnessing Antimicrobial Healthcare Textiles and Post-Wash Treatments to Combat HAIs
Hospital-acquired infections ( HAIs ) continue to pose a significant threat to patient safety , leading to increased morbidity , mortality , and healthcare costs . In the fight against HAIs , emerging antimicrobial healthcare textiles have gained recent attention . This article explores the efficacy of antimicrobial textiles and the potential of post-wash treatments in reducing pathogen transmission and preventing HAIs .
HAIs have far-reaching consequences , affecting millions of patients globally . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), HAIs are responsible for approximately 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths in the United States each year . 1 These alarming statistics emphasize the urgent need for effective interventions to combat HAIs and protect vulnerable patients .
The Efficacy of Antimicrobial Healthcare Textiles : Reduction in pathogen transmission Antimicrobial healthcare textiles have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing the transmission of pathogens . Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in bacterial contamination on antimicrobial textiles compared to standard textiles . For instance , a study by Boyce , et al . ( 2018 ) reported a 92 percent reduction in bacterial contamination on antimicrobial privacy curtains . 2 These findings highlight the potential of antimicrobial textiles to minimize the risk of pathogen transmission in healthcare settings . Durability and long-lasting efficacy Antimicrobial textiles , such as those infused with copper or silver , offer long-lasting efficacy even after repeated washing . Research by Schmidt , et al . ( 2012 ) demonstrated that copper-infused textiles maintained their antimicrobial properties for extended periods , contributing to sustained reduction in microbial burden . 3 This durability ensures continuous protection against pathogens , making antimicrobial textiles a valuable tool in infection prevention .
Post-Wash Treatments for Enhanced Efficacy Residual laundry additives In addition to antimicrobial textiles , post-wash treatments with residual laundry additives can further enhance the efficacy of textile-based infection control . These additives , such as quaternary ammonium compounds , silver , and chlorine-releasing agents , can provide additional antimicrobial activity even after the wash cycle . 4 Research by Mulder , et al . ( 2018 ) showed that the use of a residual laundry additive resulted in a significant reduction in microbial contamination on healthcare textiles . 5 Built-in antimicrobial treatments Some textiles are designed with built-in antimicrobial treatments that can withstand repeated laundering . These treatments involve incorporating antimicrobial agents , such as silver nanoparticles or polyhexamethylene biguanide , directly into the fabric during manufacturing . Studies have demonstrated
The efficacy of antimicrobial textiles in reducing pathogen transmission , combined with the potential of post-wash treatments to enhance their effectiveness , provides a multifaceted approach to infection prevention .“
the effectiveness of built-in antimicrobial treatments in reducing bacterial contamination on textiles . 6
The Future of Antimicrobial Textiles and Post-Wash
Treatments : Advanced Technologies Advancements in nanotechnology and polymer coatings offer new avenues to enhance the antimicrobial properties of textiles . These technologies provide improved coverage , durability , and resistance to microbial colonization . Researchers are exploring the use of nanomaterials , such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide , to develop next-generation antimicrobial textiles . 7 Combination Approaches Combining antimicrobial textiles with post-wash treatments and other infection control measures can create a comprehensive defense against HAIs . A study by Rupp , et al . ( 2019 ) demonstrated that a multimodal approach combining antimicrobial textiles , improved hand hygiene , and targeted environmental disinfection led to a significant reduction in HAIs . 8 Such integrated strategies hold promise for the future of infection prevention .
Considerations and Challenges Proper Utilization The implementation of antimicrobial textiles and post-wash treatments should be based on evidence-based guidelines and recommendations . It is crucial to ensure appropriate utilization , monitoring , and maintenance to maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risk of microbial resistance . 9 Cost and Sustainability Antimicrobial textiles and post-wash treatments may come at an additional cost compared to standard textiles . Healthcare facilities need to consider the economic implications and weigh them against the potential benefits and reduction in HAI rates . Additionally , the environmental sustainability of these technologies should be carefully assessed . Microbial Resistance The use of antimicrobial textiles raises concerns about the development of microbial resistance . It is vital to employ these textiles judiciously and in conjunction with other infection control practices to minimize the risk of resistance emergence . 10 Maintaining a balance between the benefits of antimicrobial textiles and the potential risks is essential for effective infection prevention .
34 july 2023 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com