Research conducted to obtain EPA registration supports evidence based design principles. Proper design of healthcare facilities can clearly impact the safety of patients and staff. Scientific tests have shown that clean MicroGuard surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria* within two hours. Improved patient outcomes may be possible by incorporating MicroGuard antimicrobial copper surfaces into an overall infection prevention strategy.

EPA registration established the fact that MicroGuard materials will not cause any adverse health or environmental effects. Based on EPA good laboratory practice regulations, five specific bacteria* were tested in 30 independent studies using 3000 test coupons to determine the viability of these disease-causing bacteria* after repeated recontamination of the copper surfaces. Testing demonstrated effective antibacterial* activity against the following organisms:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Enterobacter aerogenes
• Escherichia coli O157:H7
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

When cleaned regularly, MicroGuard touch surfaces continuously reduce bacterial* contamination, remaining effective in killing 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours even after repeated recontamination. MicroGuard materials were also tested and compared to other materials commonly used in hospitals. Testing showed that MicroGuard kills bacteria* in healthcare and other public environments within two hours. Conversely, infectious bacteria were still alive on stainless steel for weeks.

Government funded clinical trials are underway at three hospitals in the United States. These trials are designed to compare the efficacy of MicroGuard surfaces to the stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic materials used in hospital intensive care units. These trials will track the bacterial contamination levels in intensive care rooms that have been outfitted with antimicrobial copper surfaces versus existing surfaces as well as compare infection rates.

Just think of the many touch surfaces you encounter everyday in healthcare facilities, shopping malls, schools, hotels, and other public buildings that would benefit from MicroGuard antimicrobial copper materials. In addition, MicroGuard materials are produced in a sustainable manner and are completely recyclable.

*Testing demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.