Washing system helps fight hospital superbugs

Hospital bath basins are a reservoir for bacteria and may be a source of transmission of hospital-acquired infections (HAI’s).

Waterford-based CMC Hygea Ltd. has developed PathAguard, a unique basin and liner system incorporating Biomaster antibacterial technology. 

The device consists of an antimicrobial-impregnated, reusable washbasin and a single-use antimicrobial liner. This device delivers cheaper, safer, comfortable and effective bed bathing.

PathAguard is being used in private and NHS hospitals across the British Isles and has also been formally registered in the United States, with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The system was the brainchild of company founder and CEO Michael Malone (pictured above) who started looking into the area of infection control in hospitals in 2010 when a friend who worked in healthcare observed that cross-contamination could occur during assisted washing as a result of bacteria on plastic basins. 

Mr. Malone spent two years talking to health professionals before finalising the design, featuring a plastic basin with a cover. His breakthrough came when he discovered that plastic could be impregnated with Biomaster antibacterial technology. 

Surfaces protected by Biomaster inhibit the growth of most common pathogens including MRSA. The protection is effective for the lifetime of the product. 

Mr. Malone says: There is currently no FDA registered Infection Control system like ours on the market. Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) can quickly develop into fatal conditions. Our PathAguard® solution could potentially become a standard part of infection control globally.”

For more information about PathAguard visit the CMC Hygea website.

*Please note that Addmaster was acquired by the Polygiene Group AB in January 2021, so all news articles prior to that date will still be branded as Addmaster.