Hospital trial shows copper reduces contamination

The study found that items made from copper had up to 95 per cent fewer micro-organisms on them, compared with the same items made out of standard materials such as stainless steel.

The study was led by professor Tom Elliott, who presented the findings at the international Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Washington DC, which attracted 10,000 delegates.

The study was a collaboration between professor Elliott and two other microbiologists, professor Peter Lambert at Aston University, Birmingham, and professor Bill Keevil of the University of Southampton.

The Copper Development Association funded the study.

Previous laboratory testing conducted at Aston University in Birmingham demonstrated that the number of common hospital pathogens was significantly reduced after coming into contact with a copper-containing surface, compared with stainless steel.

For example, MRSA was killed within one hour of contact with the surfaces.

To follow up these findings, items that contained copper, including taps, door push-plates, grab-handles, a toilet seat and a bedside trolley, were made by local manufacturers and placed in a ward at Selly Oak Hospital.

The items were swabbed twice a day, along with similar items made from conventional materials.

The samples were taken to Aston University where they were examined to see how many micro-organisms were present.

After the five weeks, the items were swapped over and tested for another five weeks.

Prof Elliott will now lead a larger study, starting next year, to establish how the potential benefits of using copper might best be realised.

He said it was not clear how the copper kills micro-organisms, although it may be through the activity of ions released by the metal.

He also suggested the copper may be attacking membranes in the cell walls of the organisms, preventing them from feeding.