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[Copper] does this by leaching electrons from bacteria, which causes a charge to build up inside the cell which ultimately leads to free radical formation and cell death. Many studies have now shows that the microbial burden on copper surfaces is reduced by 80% compared to traditional surfaces. When used on frequently touched surfaces in hospitals, this can significantly reduce the amount of bacteria hanging around. Another study showed that the total reduction in bacteria from a copper alloy surface was 99.9% (compared to baseline, not to control surfaces). In controlled studies, copper surfaces work as advertised – they kill bacteria and viruses.
But does this actually reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs, also called health care associated infections)? The answer is yes. A 2017 systematic review of studies found that introducing copper surface in the hospital reduced HAIs by 25%.
[...] This will require a significant investment by hospitals – replacing beds, serving trays, tables, rails, door handles, and other high-touch surfaces. [...] The estimated cost of the most common HAIs is around $10 billion per year in the US. This cost is often absorbed by the hospital. This is because reimbursement for hospital stays is often determined by DRGs – diagnostic related groups. Hospitals are paid by insurance companies based upon the patient's diagnosis. If a patient is admitted for pneumonia, the hospital gets paid a fixed amount which represents the average cost of treating pneumonia. If the patient does well and is discharged quickly, the hospital makes money. If they do not do well and have complications and a prolonged stay, the hospital loses money. This provides a good financial incentive for hospitals to provide efficient and effective care, and minimize complications.
Previously:
(2020-07-19) Laser-Textured Metal Surfaces Kill Bacteria Faster
(Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Saturday August 01 2020, @12:25AM (4 children)
Last I heard, stainless steel was made with nickel. Perhaps times have changed?
(Score: 2, Informative) by fakefuck39 on Saturday August 01 2020, @12:42AM (2 children)
it is, but while lotion is made with water, water is not what makes it lotion.
chromium is the answer you're looking for. and stainless steel is sometimes made without nickel. it is never made without chromium. not sure what the nickel is for though.
(Score: 2) by hendrikboom on Saturday August 01 2020, @03:09PM
Thank you for the correction.
(Score: 2) by driverless on Sunday August 02 2020, @03:15AM
Nickel helps with weldability and ductility, not just in SS but in all steels. It's used in the vast majority of SS's. The magic ingredient through is chromium, nickel just makes it easier to work with.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday August 01 2020, @06:54PM
No, that is nickel steel. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and unstainium. That's why it's stainless. (We have gotten to the point where the ignorance is so thick that no one even attempts to educate Soylentils anymore. )