An antimicrobial copper thermometer, with touch surfaces that will continuously kill disease-causing microbes, has been launched by Greek company Karabinis Medical.
The Alfacheck AT400 is said to reduce the risk of transmission of germs between users and provides accurate temperature measurement in 30 seconds.
The tip of the thermometer and the battery cover are both made from antimicrobial copper, which kills many pathogens and reduces the microbial flora in the coated areas while significantly reducing pathogenic microbes in the rest of the body of the thermometer.
Apostolos Karabinis, President and CEO of Karabinis Medical , said: ‘I set out to create an antimicrobial thermometer that would limit the spread of pathogens, thus protecting the health of those using it.
‘The realisation of that concept is based on laboratory research and clinical studies into the antimicrobial efficacy of copper against a range of pathogens and in actual medical environments.'
The product has been approved by the Greek Copper Development Institute (EIACH).
Copper is a powerful antimicrobial with rapid, broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria and viruses, including MRSA and norovirus. It shares this benefit with a range of copper alloys, forming a family of materials collectively called ‘antimicrobial copper’.
Touch surfaces made from solid antimicrobial copper are used by healthcare facilities around the world to reduce the spread of infection.