A new self-cleaning surface technology reduces the number of hospital surface bacteria by more than 99 percent at least eight weeks after initial application — essentially eliminating dangerous pathogens like Clostridium difficile (C. diff), according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
The study, "Long-Term Efficacy of a Self-Disinfecting Coating in an Intensive Care Unit" was conducted by the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at the University of Arizona in Tucson. It focused on a long-lasting antimicrobial surface coating that provides continuous disinfecting action when applied to almost any surface, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The invisible coating binds to surfaces at a molecular level, forming a protective shield that creates a hostile microscopic environment for pathogens. As surfaces are touched, the treated surface itself reacts to fight the threat.
In the study, cultures were collected from patient rooms. The surfaces were tested initially and throughout the study for bacterial presence. Hospital staff maintained routine cleaning protocols, including disinfection procedures.
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