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.
Study Outlines Hand Hygiene Guidelines for EVS Staff
McCarthy Completes $65M Sharp Rees-Stealy Kearny Mesa MOB Modernization
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Opens St. Petersburg Bayfront Location
Healthcare Workers Need Better Workplaces
Protecting Patients Through Design and Compliance at Altru Health System