The Quality Connection

Antimicrobial cables and systemsfor medical technology

Demanding applications – hygienic solutions

A new, highly effective technology for anti-microbial treatment of cable surfacesMicroorganisms are the cause of numerous infections in hos-

pitals (nosocomial infections) [1]. Millions of people worldwide

are infected with multi-resistant germs – many people also die

of this cause in Europe [2]. These infections stem from contami-

nated materials; especially plastic surfaces near patients [3] such

as medical devices (e.g. ECG, ultrasound, endoscope) and their

cables [4]. According to a study, 77 % of ECG cables are popu-

lated with antibiotic-resistant pathogens [5].

The growth of germs depends on the pH level. Like the skin’s

acid protective layer, a pH level of < 4 also prevents bacteria

from settling on a plastic surface.

This is the basis for a highly effective technology with the help

of which LEONI can add antimicrobial [6] treatment [7] to cable

surfaces. In line with the Lewis acid-base theory, acid ions are

released that lower the pH level only on the boundary surface.

This reaction causes a disruption of the sensitive pH balance

of the microorganisms. Cell functions are compromised and

separation is restricted; the cell is weakened and ultimately dies

off. This antimicrobial effect can be microbiologically proven.

Furthermore, because of its median grain size of > 1μm, the

oxide does not come under the controversial nanotechnology.

pH-level

0 14

neutralstrong acid efficiency scope strong alkaline solution

74

Generalhygiene

Hand disinfectionstaff

Antimicrobial surface

Immune system

Germ load

LEONI provides these benefits:■■ A new, highly effective antimicrobial mechanism for

plastic surfaces■■ Biocompatible in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10993-5

and 10993-10 [8]■■ No deactivation during use due to hand perspiration

or proteins■■ Reduces the germ load also of e.g. MRSA, VRE and ESBL

■■ No induction of resistances■■ Reduction in adherence, thereby less biofilm formation■■ Lasting reduction in germ load■■ Risk of infection is lowered■■ Hygiene is improved and overall costs reduced

An antimicrobial surface can contribute significantly to reducing the germ load, increasing the hygiene standard and minimising the risk of infection.

lowhigh

VerificationsQuality-Labs BT has verified the effectiveness.

HygCen carried out medical testing pursuant to DIN EN ISO

10993-5 and 10993-10.

Reference list:

[1] Gastmeier Petra; Nosocomial infections in Germany:

“What are the numbers, based on the estimates for 2006”;

Dtsch Med Wochenschr (2008); issue 133; 1111-1115

[2] Jean-Louis Vincent; Nosocomial infections in adult

intensive-care units; The Lancet; 361 (2003); 2068-77

[3] Kerri A; Environmental contamination because of

multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii surroun-

ding colonized or infected patients; American Journal of

Infection Control (2011) Volume 39, Issue 9, Pages 711-715

[4] Donna Quinton Brown; Electrocardiography Wires:

A Potential Source of Infection; NTI News Section B; 106

(2006)

[5] Jancin Bruse; Antibiotic resistant Pathogens found on

77 % of ECG lead wires; Cardiology News; 2 (2004); 14

[6] Test report of QualityLabs BT GmbH

[7] Zollfrank Cordt et al.; Antimicrobial activity of transition

metal acid MoO3 prevents microbial growth on material;

Materials Science and Engineering: C; (2012), 47-57

[8] Test report of HygCen GmbH

Test descriptionThe test specimen (an approx. 4 cm long section of cable) is

incubated with 109 CFU*/ ml for six hours. Thereafter the test

specimen is wound across a blood agar plate, which is incubated

at 37 °C, every three hours.

*(CFU = colony-forming units)

Analysis of the photographic documentationA significant reduction in germs is evident after 3 hours. Subse-

quently, after 6 to 12 hours (depending on the germ), there are

no pathogens left on the cable surface.

Tested germs

Escherichia coli ATCC 25922

Enterococcus faecium ATCC 29212

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 25923

Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 700562

Streptococcus spp. ATCC BAA 1413 59650

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145

Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10872

Candida albicans ATCC 90028

Proteus mirabilis D. Stickler, Birmingham

Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 19336

Staphylococcus aureus

MRSA ATCC 25923

Escherichia coli

ATCC 27020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ATCC 10145

0h 3h 6h 9h 12h

Note regarding the test methodThe findings obtained with this method correspond to the

results of tests in practice, involving various timeframes and

concentrations on the surface. A significantly faster reduction is

evident in the case of a minor germ load. This method describes

not only the biostatic and biocide effect in planktonic condition,

but also assesses the adherence and the biofilm formation of

the germs. Blocking these is the key to eliminating germs on the

surface.

LEONI is also backed in this by the findings of an accredited

laboratory, which applied a recognised, quantified measure-

ment method [6]. A substantial reduction of germs of > 99.99 %

is already achieved when adding a small measure of the oxide.

The antimicrobial effect is also maintained during normal han-

dling (affected by perspiration or protein) at different times and

in various concentrations.

Biological risk assessmentThere is no evidence of any side effects like toxicity, allergies and

irritation pursuant to DIN EN ISO 10993 on the human skin [8].

Our product portfolio

CAbLE■■ Hybrid cables■■ Fiber optic cables■■ Measurement and control cables■■ Coaxial and high-frequency cables■■ Data cables■■ Miniature cables■■ Flat cables■■ Wires and strands

CAbLE sysTEms■■ Cable harnesses and systems■■ Pre-assembled cables■■ Cable routing systems■■ Safety cut-out sensor

FIbErs & LAsEr prObEs■■ Fiber bundles■■ Laser probes

Applications

DIAGNOsTICs■■ X-ray■■ Mammography■■ Computer tomography■■ Magnetic resonance tomography■■ Ultrasound / sonography■■ Molecular imaging / nuclear medicine■■ Endoscopy■■ Catheter technology■■ ECG, EEG & MEG■■ Laboratory technology■■ Dental technology

THErApy■■ Radiotherapy■■ Laser medicine■■ High-frequency surgery■■ Robot and computer-assisted surgery■■ Laparoscopy

■■ Catheter technology■■ Intracorporal systems■■ Extracorporal support systems■■ Dental technology

pATIENT mONITOrING■■ ECG, EEG & MEG■■ Oxygen saturation■■ Blood pressure■■ Temperature

Antimicrobial cable solutions – Made by LEONIAs one of the world‘s leading manufacturers of special cables and cable systems for

medical technology, LEONI exclusively provides its customers with an extensive port-

folio of products for sophisticated applications in line with the respective require-

ment profile. In principle, any solution can be antimicrobial-treated regardless of the

intended application.

LEONI Kabel GmbH

Business Unit Healthcare

Stieberstrasse 5

D-91154 Roth

Germany

Phone +49 (0)9171-804-2266

Fax +49 (0)9171-804-2199

www.leoni-healthcare.com