Program background
The Copper Touch Surfaces Program comprises a series of three clinical trials to determine whether copper touch surfaces will decrease HAIs in patients.
Clinical Trial Information
Each of the three clinical trials will employ the same methodology for determining microbial burden levels for the selected environment as well as for determining transmission rates from inanimate touch surfaces to patients.
Antimicrobial Properties of Copper
Today, Hospital Infection Control is a Key IssueRecent Press Releases
The CDC estimates that in the U.S., hospital acquired infections kill 100,000 people and cost $45 billion annually. A recent study proves new technology kills bacteria that cause hospital infections and reduces infection rates.
Read MoreResearch results demonstrating that hospital bed rails made of copper have fewer contaminants and remain clean longer than plastic bed rails were presented at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in Chicago, IL on September 19, 2011.
Read MoreEarly results from a comprehensive, multi-site clinical trial in the US demonstrate that the use of antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care unit rooms resulted in a 40.4% reduction in the risk of acquiring a hospital infection. Initial study results were presented at the World Health Organization’s 1st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland on July 1st, 2011.
Read MoreCongress Funds Testing of Copper's Ability to Kill Harmful Pathogens
In 2005, the U.S. Congress began appropriating funds for two programs studying the antimicrobial properties of copper alloys. The first study relates to touch surfaces found in healthcare facilities which are a potential means of cross-contamination. The objective is to help reduce the measure of pathogens in those environments and ultimately stem the rate of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The second relates to indoor air quality and the impact copper-based components may have on the efficiency of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Following detailed planning and review, two programs were launched in 2007 under the auspices of the Telemedicine and Advanced Technologies Research Center (TATRC), a section of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), which manages Congressional Special Interest extramural research programs encompassing technology research areas.
The study proposals were initiated by the Copper Development Association. ATI, an affiliate of SCRA, of Charleston, South Carolina, directs the program on behalf of TATRC/USAMRMC.
Primary partners in the touch surface study include: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City; Medical University of South Carolina and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, both located in Charleston, South Carolina.
The principal investigator for both studies is Dr. Harold T. Michels, senior vice president, Technology and Technical Services, Copper Development Association.