A new study in the American Journal of Infection Control has indicated just how effective certain antimicrobial coatings can be against infections including COVID-19.
The study by researchers with the University of Arizona found that applying a reformulated quaternary ammonium coating to stainless steel led to almost complete elimination of coronavirus contamination.
The polymer coating reduced levels of both test viruses by greater than 99.9 per cent relative to non-coated stainless steel coupons during a two-hour contact time. It added that a wash method for harvesting the carriers, wherein the carriers were rinsed four or five times using 1 mL of the coating solution and supplemented by a cell scraper, yielded greater viral recovery compared to a swab method.
“With the recent detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 from the bedside table, remote control, bed rails, and flooring in the hospital room of an infected patient, the importance of effective hygiene protocols for environmental surfaces remains imperative,” the study added.
Researchers say surface-active antimicrobial coatings are not meant to be substitutes for regular cleaning and disinfection practices. However, they can serve as an additional barrier for reducing human exposure to infectious viruses.
