The potential future role of antiviral fabrics within healthcare systems

Morris, Holly; Forrester-Soto, Naomi; Ogrodnik, Peter

Abstract

Health care-associated infection is acquired by patients while receiving care and represents the most frequent adverse event with a prevalence internationally ranging from 5.7% to 19.1%. Whilst the role of textiles as a fomite in infection has been questioned, the increasing body of evidence showing microbes persisting on textiles and increasing interest into developing antimicrobial textiles has been further driven by the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the experiments reported here was to determine whether the antiviral coating remained effective after laundering at national healthcare laundering standards. Secondly, we discuss whether the available testing regime for antiviral treatments on fabric is appropriate for judging the effectiveness of the treatment. There is still significant work that needs to be undertaken in standardising and ensuring the suitability of test methods within this area of technical textiles. Trials in the relevant workplace environment are essential as these may produce very different results to those undertaken as a proof of principle within a laboratory.

Citation

Morris, H., Forrester-Soto, N., & Ogrodnik, P. (in press). The potential future role of antiviral fabrics within healthcare systems. Journal of the Textile Institute, 115(3), 453-459. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2023.2193278

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 11, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2023
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2023
• Journal: The Journal of The Textile Institute
• Print ISSN: 0040-5000
• Electronic ISSN: 1754-2340
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 115
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 453-459
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2023.2193278
• Keywords: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Polymers and Plastics, General Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Materials Science (miscellaneous)
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=tjti20; Received: 2022-08-26; Accepted: 2023-01-11; Published: 2023-03-22