Booster Blog

anti-microbial flooring

Hospital infection rates are rising at an alarming rate. The risk of bacterial infection is not only higher, but more dangerous. As we become more resistant, the drugs that we have been relying on become less effective. Thus, the focus must be on limiting the possibility of infection all together.

What’s known as Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multi-resistant bacteria that can trigger infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream or urinary tract infections. It’s been in the news a lot recently as infections have broken out all over the globe. Another recurring threat to hospitals is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is responsible for a number of difficult-to-treat infections.

A widely adopted method for avoiding the spread of MRSA has recently come into question. The method, named “universal decolonization” involves washing every intensive care patient, whether colonized or not, with a strong disinfectant. The trouble is, however, that germs of all kinds can build resistance to routine disinfectant. This is an urgent call for other methods of subduing the virus.

According to major research from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, surgical site infections (SSI) are highly influenced by temperature. The chance of SSIs experienced a 28.9 percent increase with temperatures from 40°F to 90°F. This could help identify the risk and take measures accordingly.

The need for further developments is certainly urgent. Here at Bolidt, we’ve developed something that attacks the bacteria from the ground up. We’ve created a revolutionary range of synthetic flooring systems specifically for the healthcare sector. Currently available antibacterial (paint) systems are based on a chemical technique to prevent the spread of multi-resistant bacteria. Bolidt systems, however, are based on a patented mechanical anti-microbial technology. Their bactericidal effect is a process, by which the bacterium is killed as soon as it comes into contact with the floor surface due to the inherent difference in electrical charge between the floor surface and the bacterium itself. As a result, the multi-resistant bacteria cannot reproduce and survive. Large contact surfaces are thus protected against the growth and spread of bacteria. 

Since it is precisely the flooring that poses a major risk of spreading multi-resistant bacteria, this development will help hospitals and medical centres make a huge step forward in their fight against multi-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Methicilline-resistant Staphylocuccus aureus (MRSA).

The first series of lab experiments have shown that the bactericidal formula in the Bolidt flooring systems is effective against a large number of multi-resistant bacteria. In addition, the bacteria cannot become resistant. We are also developing the same technology in our specialist hygienic wall systems for the healthcare sector”, says Commercial Director Ruud van der Sloot.

Indeed, we believe that our flooring can and will revolutionize healthcare hygiene and safety. To find out more about our antimicrobial flooring systems, just click here.