Press Release.
Chicago, Feb. 24, 2015 – – The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced it has exclusively endorsed Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc.’s Vestex® Active Barrier Apparel, a protective fabric that combines fluid repellency and antimicrobial technologies embedded into health care worker scrubs, lab coats and jackets. AHA Solutions, Inc., a subsidiary of the AHA, awards the AHA Endorsement to products and services that help member hospitals and health care organizations achieve operational excellence.
Following a proprietary due diligence process, Vestagen’s Vestex apparel was selected based on evidence-based research documenting the effectiveness and safety of Vestex apparel to protect health care professionals and reduce the risk of transmission of bacteria from clothing that cause health care acquired infections (HAIs).
As more studies document that apparel worn in the clinical setting plays a significant role in HAI transmission, more hospitals are requiring staff to wear apparel with fluid repellency and antimicrobial technology, or “active barrier” technology, in an effort to protect them from body fluids and decrease germ transmission risk.
Designed for wear throughout the entire work shift, Vestex protects health care workers and patients from unexpected exposure to body fluids and infectious microorganisms. In a clinical setting, Vestex apparel is proven to prevent and reduce bacteria on the garment using a dual mechanism of action[1]. The first level of protection comes from the fabric’s fluid barrier, which repels splatters, spills and body fluids. The repellency enables a second level of protection, a permanently fiber-bonded antimicrobial that prevents growth of bacteria on the fabric. The fabric also breathes and wicks moisture to keep wearers cool and comfortable all shift long.
“Vestagen’s AHA Endorsed solutions stand out for their effectiveness and safety performance, potential cost savings and patient preference, as demonstrated by published research results,”
said Anthony Burke, senior vice president of the AHA, and president and CEO of AHA Solutions, Inc.
“We are pleased that the AHA prioritized a thorough evaluation of solutions to combat the growing issue of health care apparel contamination and are honored to be recognized as meeting its criteria for excellence,”
said Uncas Benjamin Favret III, president and CEO of Vestagen Technical Textiles.
“As the first in a new class of technology-based, active barrier protective fabrics, Vestex elevates the standard for health care worker and patient safety and will help health care organizations strengthen their culture of safety and enhance patient care.”
[1] Bearman GM, Rosato A, Elam K, et al. A crossover trial of antimicrobial scrubs to reduce methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus burden on healthcare worker apparel. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2012;33:268–275.
About the AHAThe American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, who include nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. Visit www.aha.org to learn more.
About AHA Solutions, Inc.
AHA Solutions, Inc. is a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association dedicated to serving member hospitals by helping them identify the optimal solutions to their most pressing market challenges. Through the AHA Endorsement, along with educational programs featuring peers and industry experts, AHA Solutions supports the decision-making process for hospitals looking for partners to help with clinical integration, information technology, talent management, cultural transformation, financial sustainability, the patient flow and other key challenges.
AHA Solutions is proud to reinvest its profits in the AHA Mission: To advance the health of individuals and communities. For more information, contact AHA Solutions at 800.242.4677 or visit www.aha-solutions.org. Also connect with us via Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About Vestagen Technical Textiles
Vestagen Technical Textiles develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies. Vestagen has developed Vestex®, which represents a new class of technology-based, active barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. Vestex uniforms and scrubs are designed to protect healthcare workers and their patients from dangerous contaminants. They are clinically proven to prevent and reduce the acquisition and retention of contaminants on clothing and are comfortable, durable and affordable. For more information, visit www.vestagen.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION
American Hospital Association:
Marie Watteau, Director Media Relations
202.626.2351
mwatteau@aha.org
Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc.:
JD Spangler, Chief Commercial Officer
407.376.2706
jd.spangler@vestagen.com
