Parker Medical Systems Division Introduces A New Homogenous Antimicrobial Material Helping To Reduce Healthcare-Acquired Infections

The Medical Systems Division (MSD) of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has introduced a line of antimicrobial polymers suitable for use in medical device components. Select elastomers with antimicrobial properties have shown excellent antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility while maintaining the functional performance of traditional materials. To reduce the risk of microbial transmission, medical device manufacturers can work with Parker to engineer antimicrobial properties directly into their devices.

“Hospital-acquired infections (HAI’s) affect over 1 million patients in the US each year. Incorporating antimicrobial properties into the plastic or rubber components of medical devices can be an effective tool in mitigating the threat of HAI-causing pathogens,” says Gino Banco, Parker Engineered Materials Group Principal R&D Engineer, Medical Devices. The CDC estimates that patient costs resulting from HAI’s for a single surgical site infection can exceed $25,000 with overall annual HAI estimated costs in North America alone of approximately $10B.

Working with our partners in the medical, diagnostic and pharmaceutical markets, Parker's Medical Systems Division develops and manufactures components, assemblies and finished devices that enable better patient outcomes.

About Parker Hannifin Corporation
With annual sales of $13B in fiscal year 2014, Parker Hannifin is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs approximately 57,500 people in 50 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 58 consecutive fiscal years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit www.parker.com or www.phstock.com.