Noble Biomaterials Acquires Carolina Silver

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SCRANTON, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Noble Biomaterials, Inc., the global leader in bacterial management solutions and manufacturer of X-STATIC® silver fiber technology, announced the acquisition of Carolina Silver LLC, a full-service manufacturer of silver-based fabric, yarn and fiber.

Based in Maiden, North Carolina, Carolina Silver’s advanced facility is located in the heart of the North American textile industry and has been offering customers a wide range of anti-bacterial and conductive technology solutions since 2003. Carolina Silver‘s technologies provide proprietary solutions to the wound care, military and industrial markets places under the AG3+ brand.

“Carolina Silver has been a leader within the silver textile solutions industry,” said Jeff Keane, CEO of Noble Biomaterials. “Its technologies will support the growth of the X-STATIC brand in preventing infections, healing wounds and eliminating odor.”

“The integration of Carolina’s technologies into Noble’s best in class business model and global sales capability will allow us to reach many more customers around the world,” said Jerry Finney, CEO of Carolina Silver.

Made with 99.9% pure silver, X-STATIC® is the premier silver antimicrobial technology designed to protect products from bacteria, fungi and odor. It naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria in apparel and textiles permanently; preventing the spread of infection, healing chronic wounds and keeping athletic gear smelling fresher and lasting longer.

Noble Biomaterials Inc. was advised by Dechert LLP and Brookwood Associates.

For more information, visit www.noblebiomaterials.com

X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology Featured in the April Issue of Healthcare Purchasing News

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In this month’s issue of Healthcare Purchasing News Peggy Prinz Luebbertdiscusses the importance of incorporating soft surfaces into an overall infection prevention protocol. The article outlines the problem with ignoring these in everyday infection prevention practice. Luebbert states: “Physician white coats and ties, nurse uniforms and scrubs have been shown to be colonized with pathogenic organisms. As such, they are a potential source of cross contamination.” She goes on to say, “Overlooking soft surfaces creates additional potential for re-contamination of already washed hands before patient contact.”

Current laundering practice is also discussed. While it is recognized as essential to launder soft surface fabrics in healthcare, there are things that can hinder its effectiveness as a complete solution. For instance, the article states that “even when proper procedures are followed, clinical evidence shows that fabrics are quickly re-contaminated after being put back in use.”

Products powered by X-STATIC® antimicrobial technology are recommended as a solution to help mitigate the risk for healthcare associated infections in hospital settings.  To view this entire article, please visit http://www.hpnonline.com/inside/2013-04/1304-HMS.html.

National Patient Safety Week Focus: Soft Surface Bacterial Management

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National Patient Safety Awareness Week has passed, but this year’s theme “Patient Safety 7/365: 7 days of recognition, 365 days committed to safe care,” underscores the need for continual awareness and conversation.  X-STATIC® antimicrobial technology recognizes the great achievements that have been made in the field of patient safety; however there is still work to be done. Soft surfaces make up 90 percent of the patient healthcare environment but are a missing piece of many infection prevention and safety protocols today.

In the following scenario, see if you can pick out this nurse’s mistake.

While changing the dressing of a MRSA infected wound, a nurse realizes that visitors in the hall can see her ICU patient in a compromised position.  With her gloves on, the nurse pulls the curtain shut with a quick tug.   After completing the dressing change, she straightens the patient’s bedding and gown and quickly throws her favorite roll of tape back into her uniform pocket as she leaves the room — throwing her gloves into the trash.

In this scenario the nurse has done everything right, except for one thing; she has potentially contaminated almost all of the soft surfaces in this patient’s room as well as her own uniform!  Although this was probably unintentional, cross contamination of this nature is extremely common and soft surface fabrics like privacy curtains, scrubs and lab coats can go without cleaning for extended periods of time.

It has been proven that soft surface fabrics act as “fomites,” which allow bacteria to grow and multiply. In a 2012 AJIC online published study, privacy curtains in three different medical wards were swabbed during a three-week period, and were found to be contaminated with MRSA. Awareness is the first step in preventing the spread of bacteria through soft surface fabrics. The healthcare system has made great strides in creating regulations for proper hand washing techniques and hard surface cleaning to protect patients from healthcare associated infections; however practice guidelines for soft surfaces are largely missing.

Integrating proper laundering practices with an engineering control (a change to the environment and does not require staff behavior modification or compliance) like antimicrobial fabrics can be an effective solution.  For more information on incorporating soft surface bacterial management into patient safety efforts, download this webinar from Infection Control Today: “A More Complete Approach to Infection Prevention.”  For an in-depth review of clinical data on the contamination of soft surface fabrics, download this free whitepaper: “Soft Surface Bacterial Contamination: Considerations for a Complete Infection Prevention Program.”

X-STATIC ® ANNOUNCES WEBINAR ON SOFT SURFACE BACTERIAL MANAGEMENT AVAILABLE FOR CE CREDIT

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X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology announces a new webinar available for CE credit, “A More Complete Approach to Infection Prevention: Bacterial Management of Soft Surfaces and Associated Reduction in HAIs.” Launched in conjunction with Infection Control Today, the webinar is now available for download here. During the presentation, Infection prevention expert, Peggy Prinz Luebbert, highlights the importance of bacterial management on soft surface fabrics in the healthcare setting and why it’s important to include these in a complete infection prevention bundle.

Studies prove that soft surface fabrics are contaminated. However, they are often ignored by today’s infection prevention protocols. While hand washing and disinfecting hard surfaces like countertops, floors and bed rails help reduce infection rates; their effectiveness is limited without completely breaking the chain of infection. Soft surface fabrics such as privacy curtains, uniforms/scrubs, bed linens and lab coats make up 90 percent of a patient’s contact environment and because of the frequency of contamination, laundering alone is insufficient and does not reduce cross contamination while in use.

Luebbert identifies what soft surfaces are in the healthcare setting and reviews current clinical data on contamination and transmission of bacteria via these surfaces. She also discusses the lack of standardized protocols, limited number of guidelines and the ineffectiveness of laundering alone – underscoring the need for a better solution. The most effective solution is one that doesn’t require behavior modification or training, such as antimicrobial fabrics. For more information on CE credit requirements, please visit infectioncontroltoday.com.

X-STATIC ® antimicrobial technology permanently bonds textile fibers with a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver layer creates an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the surface of the fabric. It provides a continuous, permanent antimicrobial solution that increases patient and healthcare worker safety.

Infinitude Clothing™ Partners With X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology to Add Infection Prevention Benefits to Its Fashion-Forward Apparel Line

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SCRANTON, PA (December 27, 2012) – Infinitude Clothing™, designer and manufacturer of professional medical apparel, recently partnered with Noble Biomaterials to incorporate the proven performance of X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology in a new line of premium fashion-forward medical scrubs, white coats, surgical hats/caps and stethoscope covers. The new apparel line from Infinitude features a blend of trend-setting style, quality and comfort. Soft, durable and functional, the brand will offer scrubs in ready-made designs in an array of colors as well as a wide range of made-to-order individualized designs.

Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in approximately 99,000 deaths annually – more than breast cancer, diabetes, influenza and car accidents. Moreover, 90 percent of the patient contact environment is made of up soft surface fabrics such as scrubs and lab coats and these have been proven to be contaminated. X-STATIC antimicrobial technology permanently bonds textile fibers with a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver layer creates an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the surface of the fabric. It provides permanent protection for patients and staff between launderings, lasts the life of the product and since its inherent in the fabric, does not require modification in staff behavior.

“We recognize the importance of infection control in healthcare today,” said Dr. Gil Ortega, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of Infinitude Clothing. “Infinitude Clothing powered by X-STATIC technology will allow our customers to not only look and feel great, but better equip them in the battle against healthcare associated infections.”

Infinitude Clothing designs and manufactures premium medical apparel for medical professionals. It is dedicated to providing top-quality, high-fashion garments with unmatched comfort, luxury and class. For more information, follow @InfinitudeCloth on Twitter or like Infinitude on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InfinitudeClothing. Followers will receive a special 20 percent discount when the line officially launches in January 2013.

X-STATIC® is a registered trademark of Noble Fiber Technologies, LLC. Noble Biomaterials, Inc. is a global leader in bacterial management solutions. The company develops, manufactures, sells and markets advanced antimicrobial technologies designed to manage all forms of bacterial contamination. Noble is a strategic partner of APIC and works closely with the infection prevention community toward the common goal of reducing healthcare associated infections. It has more than 200 global licensees for products in the medical, defense, industrial and consumer markets and the company’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities are located in Scranton, PA, with global offices in Europe, Asia and South America. For more information, visit www.InfectionPreventionTextiles.com, “like” X-STATIC ® on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @XStaticFiber.

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[1] http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/hai/infections_deaths.pdf

In Case You Missed It! Infection Prevention Article Series Sponsored By X-STATIC®

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Just because International Infection Prevention Week is over, doesn’t mean we’ve stopped thinking about this important issue. In case you missed it, X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology sponsored the #IIPW article series from Becker’s ASC which focuses on the important issues for infection prevention today. Catch up on some reading over the holiday and check out the series including the article on “Incorporating Soft Surface Fabrics in the IP Bundle” from Peggy Prinz Luebbert that discusses six key steps for an effective infection prevention program:

  1. Good hand hygiene practices,
  2. Effective contact isolation practices,
  3. Proper laundering of uniforms,
  4. Use of antimicrobial fabrics,
  5. Hard Surface Disinfection, and
  6. Proper use of PPE.

http://www.beckersasc.com/asc-quality-infection-control/incorporating-soft-surface-fabrics-in-the-ip-bundle-6-considerations-for-complete-environmental-disinfection.html

You can also visit X-STATIC® on Facebook to tell us your thoughts on soft surface bacterial management and enter for a chance to win a FREE Encompass META® Performance RX® lab coat powered by X-STATIC technology!

X-STATIC® ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL INFECTION PREVENTION WEEK

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(SCRANTON, PA) – Noble Biomaterials, manufacturer of X-STATIC®antimicrobial technology for soft surface fabrics in healthcare, is joining the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) as a Champion for International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW), October 14-20, 2012.  The week recognizes the efforts made toward reducing preventable infections in healthcare settings. Approximately 99,000 people die annually from healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in the United States[1] – more than breast cancer, diabetes, influenza and car accidents. Even so, there is comparatively little consumer awareness of these preventable conditions.

X-STATIC aims to raise awareness about the spread of HAI-causing bacteria on soft surfaces – a missing piece of most infection prevention protocols today. Even though soft surface fabrics (privacy curtains, lab coats, scrubs, patient apparel and bed linens) constitute 90 percent of the patient environment, they are often overlooked in infection prevention protocols and largely missing in the industry guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Launched during IIPW and continued through November 16th, X-STATIC is asking infection preventionists to visit its Facebook page and fill out a short survey about current soft surface infection prevention activities in their facility. Participants will be entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win an Encompass Performance RX® lab coat powered by X-STATIC technology. There will be one winner each day in honor of IIPW. Please click here to enter and for official sweepstakes rules.

“We recognize the importance of infection prevention and the profound effect it can have on the safety of patients and healthcare staff as well as the economic welfare of healthcare facilities,” said Karin Mueller Recchione, Director of Marketing, Noble Biomaterials. “Cross contamination from soft surface fabrics is proven. To make other practices such as hand hygiene and hard surface disinfection most effective in reducing healthcare associated infections, these surfaces need to have a place in the overall infection prevention bundle.”

X-STATIC technology permanently bonds textile fibers with a layer of 99.9 percent pure metallic silver. The silver layer creates an ionic shield that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the surface of the fabric. It provides permanent protection, lasting the life of the product. Because X-STATIC is woven directly into the product, no behavior modification is needed and staff compliance issues are eliminated.

IIPW raises awareness of the role infection prevention plays to improve patient safety and promotes the belief that infection prevention is everyone’s business. Established in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan, APIC has spearheaded the annual effort to highlight the importance of infection prevention among healthcare professionals, administrators, legislators and consumers. Learn more about IIPW on Facebook and Twitter (#IIPW).

X-STATIC® has been proven to extremes by NASA, elite military forces and Olympic athletes. X-STATIC® is a registered trademark of Noble Fiber Technologies, LLC. Noble Biomaterials, Inc. is a global leader in bacterial management solutions. The company develops, manufactures, sells and markets advanced antimicrobial technologies designed to manage all forms of bacterial contamination. Noble is a strategic partner of APIC and works closely with the infection prevention community toward the common goal of reducing healthcare associated infections. For more information on products Powered by X-STATIC®, please visit www.InfectionPreventionTextiles.com.

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X-STATIC® Technology featured in HealthCare Purchasing News

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X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology was recently featured in the September issue of Healthcare Purchasing News. The feature article on infection prevention discussed innovative solutions for healthcare facilities to reduce environmental contamination and target zero healthcare associated infections. X-STATIC® is clinically-proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria directly on the surface of fabrics. Peggy Prinz Luebbert, MS, MT (ASCP), CIC, CHSP, founder of Healthcare Interventions Inc., and consultant to Noble Biomaterials, said:

The bacterial contamination of soft surfaces—such as curtains, lab coats, and scrubs—is a critical issue in the quest to prevent infections. Studies prove that soft surfaces are highly contaminated and that cross-contamination with hands occurs. Studies also prove that laundering is not sufficient, due to rapid recontamination after [being] put in use.

Even though soft surface fabrics are proven to be contaminated, standardized procedures and guidelines are lacking.

When asked to describe how the antimicrobial fabric technology works Luebbert said:

Soft surfaces powered by X-STATIC® provide a continuous, permanent, and comprehensive solution. The technology lasts the lifetime of the product and requires no change in staff behavior. X-STATIC® is made by permanently bonding 99.9% pure metallic silver to the surface of a textile fiber. This silver layer creates an ionic shield that quickly and continuously inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi directly on the fabric surface. Fabrics powered by X-STATIC® have been proven to reduce environmental contamination on soft surfaces, which constitute 90% of the patient environment.

Read the full article on X-STATIC® Technology in HealthCare Purchasing News. For more information on products powered by X-STATIC® Technology, contact us

X-STATIC® Antimicrobial Technology Featured in Critical Care Nurse

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X-STATIC® technology, which has been clinically-proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria directly on the surface of fabrics, was recently featured in the October issue of Critical Care Nurse. Fabrics powered by X-STATIC® are highly useful for infection prevention in the healthcare setting because items such as lab coats, bed lines, scrubs, and privacy curtains have been proven to be contaminated by pathogenic organisms. The article notes X-STATIC®’s ability to deliver “quick, comprehensive and permanent protection with a continuous release of silver ions that last for the life of the product.”

Read the full article on X-STATIC® technology for soft surface bacterial management in Critical Care Nurse.

New Study on Soft Surface Bacterial Contamination

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Home Laundering Not As Effective

A recent study in the American Journal of Infection Control compared the effectiveness of home laundering vs. hospital laundering of healthcare worker scrubs. The results found that home-washed scrubs had significantly higher levels of bacteria than hospital-washed scrubs. Forty-four percent of the home-washed scrubs tested positive for bacteria. Furthermore, 79 percent of the unwashed scrubs tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria. Overall, the study found that home-washing was not a successful way to decontaminate scrubs. The home-washed scrubs had significantly higher bacteria counts than the other washed garments or new garments.

The article infers that in order to save money on operational costs, many hospitals allow staff to wash scrubs and other uniforms in their own homes. It recommended that hospitals wash garments in water that reaches 71.1° C for at least three minutes, according to CDC requirements. Standard laundering procedures are essential and uniforms should be laundered at an accredited healthcare laundering facility. However, as this and other studies have shown, re-contamination of scrubs happens very quickly when put back into use.

Fabrics (uniforms, scrubs, privacy curtains and bed linens) powered by X-STATIC® antimicrobial technology have been clinically-proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria directly on the surface of the fabric. X-STATIC® offers comprehensive and permanent protection with a continuous release of silver ions that lasts for the life of the product, reducing overall environmental contamination.

To learn more visit the X-STATIC® website, and for the latest news and updates follow X-STATIC® on Facebook and Twitter.