Researchers recently have discovered that copper alloys destroy MRSA, norovirus and other pathogens, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.
The alloys damage bacterial DNA and respiration, leading to cell breakdown, and inactivate certain viruses, often within hours, the article said.
Grinnell (Iowa) Regional Medical Center recently outfitted six of the 13 single rooms and three of the five double rooms in its medical-surgical suite with bed rails, toilet flush levers, grab bars, soap dispenser push plates, light switches, IV poles and other high touch surfaces made of copper alloy.
After terminal cleaning, 88 percent of the bacterial samples from rooms outfitted with copper fell below recommended concentration levels.
Designing for Distraction: Benefits for Children, Families
Staffing and Consolidation Reshape Outpatient Facility Strategies
Adams Health Network Falls Victim to Phishing Attack
Ventilation and Filtering for Infection Control 
ChristianaCare Opens Aston Campus Neighborhood Hospital