Chem-Tex Laboratories, Inc.

A recent article (Thiry, 2007) that appeared in the AATCC review, describes the role of antimicrobial-treated fabrics in healthcare. For example, antimicrobial treatments are routinely used on textiles associated with wound care such as wraps and bandages. The most common use of antimicrobial treated textiles in healthcare facilities, particularly nursing homes, is for odor control.

The article points out that textile surfaces are common healthcare settings and that infectious organisms can contaminate those surfaces for weeks or months after an exposure. “Textiles are logical sources of cross-contamination, because they have large surface areas, retain moisture, and are difficult to clean or disinfect in place,” Mark Wiencek of Milliken & Co. is quoted as saying.

Antimicrobials play a role in reducing the risk of cross-contamination. They reduce the dose of microbes by limiting the sources and transfer sites of microorganisms. “Antimicrobials … help control the grown of bacteria which helps protect the wearer from the risk of infection and the spread of disease and help [sic] minimize odor and fabric discoloration.” Francois Lapierre of Consoltext is quoted as saying.

The article differentiates between biostatic agents that inhibit the growth of microorganisms and biocidal agents such as disinfectants that kill microbes on contact. The rate of biocidal activity of antimicrobials in textiles is much slower than the rate of disinfectants.

Other issues mentioned include whether the agent works under “dirty” or “clean” conditions, how long the agent will work, and the range of microorganisms it will kill, including bacteria, viruses and fungi.Finally, antimicrobials are essentially pesticides and, therefore, their effects on the environment must be considered. Some, like silver, are non-toxic to humans but may have undesirable effects on other kinds of organisms, so-called “down the drain” issues.

Combinations of products in different applications will improve the health-care situation as a whole with antimicrobial-treated textiles playing the role of a passive system that is “always on”.

Works Cited
Thiry, M. C. (2007, March). Another Tool in the Doctor’s Bag. AATCC Review , 7 (3), pp. 22-28.