Cleanliness and hygiene are important in any public place, but in hospitals and places of care it is critical as the spread of germs endangers individuals who are already at risk. Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are those acquired while patients are receiving care for medical or surgical conditions. Unfortunately, HAIs are not uncommon: approximately 1 in 25 people admitted to a hospital in the United States will suffer a health care-associated infection.
Hand hygiene is still the primary method of preventing crosscontamination, but hospitals are looking at other ways to lower HAI rates. Technology is playing a greater role.
• Automated disinfection systems such as UV and white light
• Sensors to monitor hand cleaning activity and filters
• Voice activated equipment and monitors
• Additional non touch equipment and door openings
• BMS management and improved control of airflow, temperature, and humidity
• Use of robots
• Antimicrobial surfaces
US research reported in 2020 showed a 36% decline in HAIs that had antimicrobial surface coating in both patient rooms and common areas. Additionally, the total bacterial colony forming units at the hospitals declined by 79% and 75%, respectively; the percentages of clinically relevant pathogens also declined significantly for both hospitals.
Products offering antimicrobial capabilities have an additive included that contains an appropriately registered antimicrobial agent. Integrated at the manufacturing stage, it provides around-the-clock protection from the growth of microbes. These antimicrobial additives will remain present and active for the expected lifetime of a product.
Antimicrobial technology typically contains one of four active ingredients:
• Silver ion antimicrobials: suitable for a wide range of materials and applications, including medical coatings, plastics, and food-contact products
• Zinc antimicrobials: a broad spectrum antimicrobial that is commonly favored for its antifungal properties
• Copper antimicrobials: a preservative and popular for medical products and surfaces
• Organic active ingredients such as Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATs) and fungicides (Thiabendazole).
Though they all influence microbes, the way they function is not always the same.
• Protein damage to microbes causes the failure of essential functions such as energy production
• Disrupting the microbe’s membrane causes potentially catastrophic structural failure
• Increasing levels of reactive oxygen causes damage to the microbe
• Disrupting the genetic material of bacteria blocks its ability to replicate
• Preventing the formation of biofilms, making bacteria easier to kill and less dangerous.
Products and solutions with antimicrobial technology help prevent the proliferation of productdamaging microbes that can shorten its lifespan. Stain and odor-causing microbes are also reduced, ensuring the product remains fresher and cleaner in between cleaning. Importantly, continued washing of products does not remove the antimicrobial additive technology and it will continually inhibit potentially harmful microbes that contact the surface of the product.
• Significantly reduce bacteria – in some cases by up to 99.99%
• Proven against mold
• Effective against viruses
• Fewer microbes - Reduced crosscontamination
• Extended product functional lifetime - protection against microbial colonization and material degradation.
Tackling HAIs is a critical concern for all healthcare facilities. A multifaceted approach which combines cleaning and sanitation best practice, building environment management and advanced antimicrobial technology is vital to improve patient outcomes and reduce repeat hospitalizations.
Molex Medical Grade antimicrobial wall plates and patch cord products have been created by incorporating an antibacterial agent (biocide) that can assist in suppressing the growth of bacteria on the surfaces of products when conditions exist where growth can occur. They can assist in keeping surfaces clean and sanitary and can also have an advantage in minimizing the impact on the environment by minimizing diffusion of the agent.
Molex Medical Grade products have been independently tested and comply with ISO 22196:2011. They form a part of an effective sanitization protocol are not intended as replacement.
• Smooth “polished surface” facilitating easy wipe down
• Embedded antimicrobial materials in the plastic work 24/7 to inhibit the growth of bacteria, reducing the risk of cross contamination
• Angled outlet – facilitates correct bend radius of the patch cords essential for data continuity at high performance
• Antimicrobial materials – assist in the prevention of propagation of bacteria resulting from human contact
• Anti-snag boots protects the RJ-45 connector’s lock from being snapped off easily. Ideal for high insertion cycle and ease of access.
• LS0H sheath – low halogen cable sheath emits limited smoke and no halogen even when exposed to high sources of heat
Molex Medical Grade Harsh Environment products have been created using chemically resistant easy clean materials. They can assist in keeping surfaces clean and sanitary. Molex Antimicrobial Patch cords have been created by incorporating an antibacterial agent (biocide) that can assist in suppressing the growth of bacteria on the surfaces of products when conditions exist where growth can occur.
Molex Medical Grade Products comply with ISO 22196:2011 and form part of an effective sanitization protocol and are not intended as replacement.
• Stainless steel wallplates facilitate easy wipe down and mate perfectly with the Molex Cat6A Locking Bulkhead RJ-45 Connector
• Available in multiple port configurations – popular sizes 1, 2, 4 port sizes
• Double Sided - Polished and brushed look combines practicality with aesthetics
• Ruggedized connector with Cat6A component compliance according to ISO/ IEC 11801 and TIA/EIA 568-C.2. Locking function enables secured connection
• Shielded construction protections against EMI and a high interference environment
• IP65 Rated – Molded rubber grommet seals against water/dust ingress
