New Research Presented to Emergency Nurses
September 28, 2011 - United States Of America
Reducing the transmission of contaminants, pharmaceuticals and bacteria via health care worker (HCW) and patient garments is of crucial importance to Emergency Department (ED) personnel. Current Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state “HCWs who have contact with patients, body fluids, or specimens have a higher risk of acquiring or transmitting infections. HCWs may also acquire infections from or transmit infections to patients, other personnel, household members, or other community contacts.” According to researchers, the use of an effective barrier, such as a fluid repellant and antimicrobial treated textile worn by HCWs, may protect them from both the transfer of microorganisms or possible contamination from blood and bodily fluid exposures, as occurs in trauma procedures.
A new fabric, VTT003, sold under the name Vestex has both fluid barrier and antimicrobial properties. Researchers Kara Elam, MPH, from the University of Mississippi and Thomas J Walsh, MD, director of Cornell University's transplantation-oncology infectious diseases program, investigated the safety profile of the fabric both in the laboratory and in human subjects. They presented their findings at the Emergency Nurses’ Association’s Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla. on September 24.
“The paradigm for evaluation of new medical technologies follows a well-defined performance hierarchy. Clinical effectiveness is first, followed by human safety of the products and then the environmental impact and financial cost are assessed. Dr. Walsh and I are pleased to add the positive safety profile of VTT003 to the substantial clinical and laboratory effectiveness evidence of Vestex performance,” said Elam. “I have previously presented data documenting the fluid barrier performance of VTT003 and its clinical effectiveness in reducing MRSA bioburden on uniforms, so this positive safety data is a great next step toward accepting the new technology.”
In the experimental study design conducted at an independent laboratory testing facility, investigators used the standard cell lines for testing medical device cytotoxicity as well as skin reactions to the fabric in healthy volunteers. The tests demonstrated no remarkable signs of irritation and investigators concluded that the treated fabric is safe for external application and wear by HCWs.
Environmental surfaces and fabrics and uniforms in particular, are becoming a bigger issue in the fight against healthcare acquired infection (HAI.) Leading organizations such as the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology in America (SHEA) and the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) have recently published data examining the role that surfaces and contaminated textiles play in healthcare worker exposures to and transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms or “superbugs.”.
About Vestagen Technical Textiles LLC
Vestagen Technical Textiles is an Orlando-based marketer and manufacturer of Active Barrier Protective fabrics and uniforms. Vestagen is led by a skilled management team with nearly a century of combined experience in the health care industry. Backed by V-Ten Capital Partners, Vestagen is committed to creating innovative textile solutions.
A new fabric, VTT003, sold under the name Vestex has both fluid barrier and antimicrobial properties. Researchers Kara Elam, MPH, from the University of Mississippi and Thomas J Walsh, MD, director of Cornell University's transplantation-oncology infectious diseases program, investigated the safety profile of the fabric both in the laboratory and in human subjects. They presented their findings at the Emergency Nurses’ Association’s Annual Conference in Tampa, Fla. on September 24.
“The paradigm for evaluation of new medical technologies follows a well-defined performance hierarchy. Clinical effectiveness is first, followed by human safety of the products and then the environmental impact and financial cost are assessed. Dr. Walsh and I are pleased to add the positive safety profile of VTT003 to the substantial clinical and laboratory effectiveness evidence of Vestex performance,” said Elam. “I have previously presented data documenting the fluid barrier performance of VTT003 and its clinical effectiveness in reducing MRSA bioburden on uniforms, so this positive safety data is a great next step toward accepting the new technology.”
In the experimental study design conducted at an independent laboratory testing facility, investigators used the standard cell lines for testing medical device cytotoxicity as well as skin reactions to the fabric in healthy volunteers. The tests demonstrated no remarkable signs of irritation and investigators concluded that the treated fabric is safe for external application and wear by HCWs.
Environmental surfaces and fabrics and uniforms in particular, are becoming a bigger issue in the fight against healthcare acquired infection (HAI.) Leading organizations such as the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology in America (SHEA) and the Association of periOperative Nurses (AORN) have recently published data examining the role that surfaces and contaminated textiles play in healthcare worker exposures to and transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms or “superbugs.”.
About Vestagen Technical Textiles LLC
Vestagen Technical Textiles is an Orlando-based marketer and manufacturer of Active Barrier Protective fabrics and uniforms. Vestagen is led by a skilled management team with nearly a century of combined experience in the health care industry. Backed by V-Ten Capital Partners, Vestagen is committed to creating innovative textile solutions.