French laboratory harnesses antimicrobial copper to reduce surface contamination

Published: 4-Sep-2013

FAVI supplies the Institut de Recherche Microbiologique with door furniture in a champagne-coloured copper alloy

A private laboratory in France that assists companies with the development of disinfectant products and the management of the environmental impact of these has installed antimicrobial copper door furniture throughout its facility to help reduce surface contamination.

Copper is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, able rapidly to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi deposited on its surface. It shares this property with many copper alloys, including brass and bronze, offering a range of hard-wearing metals in a variety of colours, all capable of enhancing hygiene when used in combination with key measures such as regular surface cleaning and hand washing.

Institut de Recherche Microbiologique (IRM) – founded in 1989 and accredited by COFRAC (the French Accreditation Committee for laboratories) – carried out testing of antimicrobial copper alloys to be deployed in healthcare environments, and was so impressed by the results that it opted to equip its own facility with antimicrobial copper.

Philippe Strohl, Scientific Director for IRM, said: ‘We helped to test a particular copper alloy, which showed good antimicrobial efficacy. As our laboratory is compelled to separate its different activities in order to reduce the risks of cross-contamination via hand contact, we decided to equip it with door handles made from antimicrobial copper. Our technical staff will therefore carry less microbial burden between different laboratory areas.’

The door furniture – in a champagne-coloured copper alloy – was supplied by French company FAVI.

‘All our products offer high standards of functionality, durability and beauty,' said Corinne Lacquemant, FAVI’s Project Manager.

'Antimicrobial copper combines these qualities with antimicrobial efficacy, offering our customers improved hygiene for environments where cleanliness is of paramount importance.’

To view these and other antimicrobial copper products offered by companies around the world, visit the Product Directory at www.antimicrobialcopper.org

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