Coated surfaces improve protection

Autoclaves manufactured by Priorclave, of Wolverhampton in the UK, not only eradicate bacteria in their internal pressure vessels - the external surfaces also offer a first-line defence against contamination and cross infection, the company says. Priorclave uses the proprietary BioCote surface treatment process to provide a high level of hygiene on its range of steriliser products.

A specialised powder coating is applied to steel and wooden surfaces that incorporates an active agent which inhibits the growth of pathogens and micro-organisms, including MRSA. As the active ingredient does not operate in the same way as an antibiotic, there is little or no risk of generating resistant strains of organisms.

BioCote surfaces should not be considered as a substitute for good hygiene practices; however, they provide the optimum level of due diligence currently available against the proliferation of disease-causing bacteria. This ensures that standards are not breached in cleanrooms or sterilised areas, which can lead to expensive delays or the interruption of important research or critical culture programmes.