The first published results of a study into copper’s anti-microbial properties undertaken on a ward at Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital (Health Estate Journal – November 2008) have conclusively shown that surfaces made with materials containing the metal kill a wide range of potentially harmful microorganisms.
Ward trial proves copper’s benefits
The study found that, when tested, items made from copper had up to 95% fewer microorganisms on them, compared with the same items made from “standard” materials like stainless steel. The research was led by Professor Tom Elliott, a consultant microbiologist and deputy medical director at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and two other eminent microbiologists, Professor Peter Lambert at Aston University, and Professor Bill Keevil, of the University of Southampton. It was funded via a Copper Development Association grant. Prof. Elliott said: “The finding of a 90% to 95% killing of those organisms, even after a busy day on a medical ward, with items being touched by numerous people, is remarkable.” Professor Elliott unveiled the findings at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in Washington DC. Prior to the ward study, laboratory testing had demonstrated that common hospital pathogens were significantly reduced when in contact with a coppercontaining surface when compared to stainless steel. For example, MRSA was killed within one hour of contact. For the trial ward items including taps, door push-plates, grabhandles, a toilet seat, and a bedside trolley, were specially made from copper or copper alloys by local manufacturers. They were then swabbed twice a day, along with similar items made from conventional materials, before all the samples were examined for microorganism levels. After the five weeks, the items were swapped over and tested for another five, to eliminate potential bias caused by the items being used in different locations, and so in different ways. Prof. Elliott said: “I have been a consultant microbiologist for several decades. This is the first time I have seen anything like copper in terms of the effect it will have on the environment.” The professor will now lead a larger study to establish how the potential benefits might best be realised. He said it was not clear how the copper kills micro-organisms – but it may be through the activity of ions released by the metal. Copper may also, he said, be attacking membranes in the organisms’ cell walls, preventing them from feeding.