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2006-12-11 News Release
Surface materials fight against infectionss Surface materials provide high resistance against infections caused by bacteria and dirt in healthcare facilities, busy public buildings and transportation terminals.
The importance of good hygiene in healthcare and public places has long
been recognized. Throughout the world, hygiene has become a key concern.
Today, healthcare engineers and managers are extremely aware of the importance
of hygiene in their professional environment. With growing awareness of
the impact of methicillin-resistant or multiple antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus (MRSA), comes a stronger emphasis on hygiene in professional healthcare
environments – such as hospitals, nurseries, day care centres and
other facilities with frequently changing users.
Not surprising, as hospital patients, already weak from their conditions, have a very low resistance to germs and allergens. Whereas a healthy person can easily deal with one million bacteria per interval of time, a weakened patient can develop a serious infection at a dose of 10 foreign bacteria. It is in this environment that so-called nosocomial infections can be developed in a hospital by a very low dose of bacteria. The cost of infections is significant: if an infection caused by a stay in hospital leads to a further 10 days additional stay at an estimated per day cost of euro 500 – such an infection can cost as much as euro 5.000 extra per patient – not to mention the additional burden they place on available beds, doctors and nursing staff. However, the cost of fighting these infections is also high: it has been estimated that cleaning costs in a healthcare environment represents 2% of total running costs. Moreover, the effectiveness of regular cleaning may be limited.
Cause of most infections are micro-organisms that spread through surface contact and by infected airborne particles. From the surfaces, the germs are transferred to the body or to pieces of equipment. It is, therefore, important that all surfaces are cleaned regularly and effectively. To make this possible, all surfaces should be easy to clean and disinfect. Without affecting the surfaces – as signs of wear can create cracks where more germs gather – and so on. The choice of surface materials is of the utmost importance and can help
minimize risks. Operating rooms are now being designed and built as clean
rooms, with strict criteria for minimizing the dust load above the operating
table. Carpeting is now avoided in critical areas and cleaning is done
with vacuum
cleaners
After a longer period of use, porous materials often contain large numbers of germs, in particular materials that are used in moist spaces. Dust traps must be prevented and surfaces that are difficult to clean or disinfect should be avoided. And surfaces should contain no cracks or fissures which are difficult to reach. So there is a strong need for surface materials that can be cleaned fast and effectively, do not support bacterial growth, are durable and environmentally sound and help to create a pleasant and attractive interior. Think Trespa As a key producer of panels for demanding interior applications where
hygiene and cleanliness are of crucial importance, Trespa International
has a long track record, with many proven applications in healthcare facilities
around the world. For more than 20 years, Trespa
panels
Using their expertise, Trespa is able to offer a range of functional panels with an exceptional degree of cleanability and hygiene: Trespa Virtuon and Trespa ToplabPLUS: durable, high quality panels, especially suited for demanding interior applications in an environment where bacteria and dirt pose a real threat. Resistance to bacteria Trespa Virtuon and Trespa ToplabPLUS have their anti bacterial properties incorporated, without the use of anti-microbial additives. The smooth and non-porous surfaces of Trespa ToplabPLUS and Trespa Virtuon do not support growth of micro-organisms and the panels’ hygiene properties remain unaffected even by extreme conditions. These anti-microbal characteristics are inherent in the product and will remain active throughout its lifetime. Moreover, Trespa Virtuon/ToplabPLUS can be installed dry with a minimum of dust being released, thus reducing the risk of release of airborne particles capable of transporting micro-organisms. Industrial Microbiological Services Ltd (IMSL) in the UK produces a number of reports and regularly carries out microbiological tests. Its director, Peter D Askew is an acknowledged authority in microbiology and anti-microbial surfaces. Mr. Askew points out that some surfaces now have additional coating products added - often termed hygienic, antimicrobial or antibacterial – in order to either kill or prevent the growth of micro-organisms with the intention of providing either hygienic or health care benefits. “However, after tests, we have come to the conclusion that Trespa materials do not need to use additives in order to reinforce the performance of the surface. Main reason is that when a strain of bacteria containing fluid is applied on the Trespa surface, it normally dries relatively fast. This means that the larger number of bacteria types cannot survive while the stain dries. The remaining part cannot survive on the surface as there is no source of nutrition. While the risk of cross contamination via wall lining is very small, Trespa’s unique surface has enough anti-microbial activity to be eminently suitable for use in healthcare applications. Mr Askew adds: “Regular and thorough cleaning remains the most important prevention.” Resistance to frequent cleaning When compared to other frequently used surface materials, the use of Trespa Virtuon or Trespa ToplabPLUS can save an average of 75 hours per year per m2 of material, thanks to the low dirt pick up due to the smoothness of the urethane-acrylic surfaces, which at the same time can be cleaned with more aggressive cleaning agents. This results in removal of a larger part of the contamination. Despite frequent cleaning surfaces will retain their “as new” looks for many years. Design / installation plays an important part too: switches and control panels can be slotted into the Trespa surfaces and connections with the floor can be made flush for high cleaning efficiency; and due to optimum sheet sizes the number of joints is limited and several hygienic and durable joint solutions are available. Proven cleanliness These illustrations provide conclusive proof that both Trespa ToplabPLUS and Trespa Virtuon deliver high anti-bacterial activity - and have been tested as such by renowned testing institutes. Thanks to their closed surface, Trespa ToplabPLUS and Trespa Virtuon are easy to clean and disinfect. Test results and practical experience are important. To underline the effectiveness of our surface solutions, Trespa ToplabPLUS and Trespa Virtuon both carry a project guarantee of 10 years on impact resistance, moisture resistance, cleanability (Trespa Virtuon) and chemical resistance (Trespa ToplabPLUS). Trespa International – a global force in hygienic surface solutions Trespa International is a leading producer of decorative panels for exterior and interior applications, with a strong emphasis on design, innovation, quality, durability and environmental sustainability. Trespa has Sales organizations in all major countries and continents throughout the world – complemented by a network of local distributors. Trespa’s global leadership position is based on quality, durability
and innovation. The Trespa Technology Centre provides R&D facilities,
both for application development and direct customer support. Trespa owns
a number of proprietary product technologies, including the Electron Beam Curing Trespa Virtuon is a panel with an integrated decorative surface for use in demanding interior applications, where hygiene and cleanliness are of crucial importance. Trespa Virtuon panels are manufactured using the EBC process, producing a closed, non-porous surface that is absolutely impervious to cleaning agents and disinfectants and can be maintained with minimum effort. The surface is resistant to moisture, chemicals, impact and wear - helping to keep panels free of stains and blemishes for many years, even in the most challenging environments. Trespa Virtuon is available in a wide range of brilliant colours, metallic finishes and textures. These offer unique mix and match opportunities for unique design possibilities. Available as stand-alone Trespa Virtuon HPL-Compact panels for top-range performance; Trespa Virtuon HPL (0,9 mm) for design-driven applications; and Trespa Virtuon directly faced on chipboard for cost effective design solutions.
Trespa International, with head office in Weert, The Netherlands, specialises
in the manufacture of high quality panels for exterior cladding, interior
surfaces and other applications.
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