title: A comparative study to evaluate surface microbial contamination associated with copper-containing and stainless steel pens used by nurses in the critical care unit.
abstract: A clinical study was undertaken to compare the surface microbial contamination associated with pens constructed of either a copper alloy or stainless steel used by nurses on intensive care units. A significantly lower level of microbial contamination was found on the copper alloy pens.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
authors.forename: Anna L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
authors.forename: Tarja J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Karpanen
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nightingale
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miruszenko
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital,. Electronic address: tom.elliott@uhb.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Tom S J
authors.initials: TSJ
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000382:microbiology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006095:Gram-Positive Cocci / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006236:Handwriting; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D009726:Nurses; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D013193:Stainless Steel; D003300:Copper