In a response to a letter to The Hospitalist magazine, author Harold Michels addressed concerns from a physician that implanted copper-nickel alloy devices have the potential for severe allergic reactions.
"Implanted devices are not part of the EPA-approved products list of antimicrobial copper and, therefore, are not being proposed for use in the fight against hospital infections," Michels wrote in an article on The Hospitalist website.
Referring to questions of copper tarnishing, Michels said copper alloys should be cleaned regularly — especially in hospitals.
"But more importantly, the antimicrobial effect of this metal is not inhibited if the surfaces tarnish," Michels said.
Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions
Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical Center 
The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities
Infection Control is Key to Ongoing Measles Outbreak
Kaiser Permanente to Open New Parker Medical Offices