A recent clinical study found that using copper alloy materials in a hospital setting can play a leading role in fighting bacteria* that cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). ATEK Access Technologies, LLC’s line of Larco CopperShield® push plate switches are made with CuVerro® antimicrobial copper, the copper used in the study and proven in EPA testing to kill 99 percent of surface bacteria*.

Published in the online edition of the American Journal of Infection Control and authored by Grinnell College associate professor of biology Shannon Hinsa-Leasure, Ph.D., the study is the first to show that surfaces in patient rooms quickly re-contaminate after terminal cleaning – even when the room is unoccupied. The study tested CuVerro® copper surfaces inside patient rooms at Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and found that the copper was extremely effective in killing bacteria in a hospital environment. CuVerro® is proven to kill antibiotic resistant to superbugs like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The paper also concluded that when surfaces in patient rooms are made of copper, bacterial loads do not rebound, whether the room is occupied or not.

 “Our Larco CopperShield push plate switches come in contact with hands and germs on a daily basis at hospitals and high-risk infection sites, but thanks to CuVerro, they have the power to kill harmful bacteria and reduce contamination,” said Scott Gardeen, senior product manager for Larco products.

Unlike silver coatings or any other touch-surface metal, CuVerro is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill more than 99.9 percent of bacteria*within two hours, when cleaned regularly.  CopperShield is the only push-plate switch that utilizes a solid bactericidal material registered by the EPA to make public health claims in the U.S.

“Larco CopperShield push plate wall switches for activating automatic doors are an effective complement to the ongoing infection control practices of hospitals, schools and other facilities concerned about bacteria associated with highly contagious infections,” said Kon John, National Sales Director, Olin Brass. “Facilities that use the CopperShield door switches are protecting their patients, staff and brand by reducing bacteria that cause HAIs.”

Larco products are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, and constructed of high-durability materials to maintain a consistently clean and attractive finish. Automatic copper door push plate switches are the best option anywhere hygiene and convenience are needed, such as surgical suites in hospitals, building entrances and school facilities.

Larco is an ATEK Access Technologies brand and leader in access technologies for public entrances. For more information about Larco products, visit www.larco.com.

For more information, visit www.atekaccess.com or cuverro.com for more details.