The Head of Science and Ethics at the British Medical Association, Dr. Vivienne Nathanson, suggested in a February 2006 interview that doctors' ties should be considered a contributing vector in the rise of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs).

Over 15 years ago we began accepting that physician's attire could pose a threat of microbial contamination to patients, especially surgical specialties (1). Dr. Steven Nurkin, reporting at the Annual American Society of Microbiology May 2004 meeting, confirms that neckties can harbor and transmit dangerous bacteria. As much as 1 in 4 neckties carried Staphylococcus aureus and 1 in 8 harbored hospital-acquired bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii (2).  Ties have the potential therefore to act as a vector for the transmission of HAIs (3). 

With healthcare associated infections on the rise (affecting 2 million patients with 90,000 deaths annually) (4) the addition of a nano-treated necktie to infection protection protocols could aid in the reduction of HAI rates.

Medical institutions can take advantage of custom necktie programs and special bulk pricing.  Contact SafeSmart, Inc. for more information at 904-824-5670

1.  Wong. D. et al BMJ 1991: 303,1602-1604

2. *Source:  "Is The Clinician's Necktie a Potential Fomite for Hospital Acquired Infections," a study presented at American Society for Microbiology meeting May 24, 2004, New Orleans.

3. Steinlechner C, Wilding G & Cumberland N (2002) Microbes on ties:  do they correlate with wound infection? Ann R. Coll Surg Eng (Suppl) 84:307-9.

4. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/healthDis.html 
    

How are SafetyTies safer?

Nanotechnology is a technical process of working on an extremely small scale - each molecule is one million times smaller than a grain of sand. This enables materials to be engineered to perform special functions.

The nanotechnology treatment used in the manufacturing of SafetyTies attaches to individual fibers, essentially wrapping each fiber in a protective layer. The nano-coating forms a tough barrier that locks out liquids, creases and bacteria without affecting the quality or texture of the 100% silk fabric and will last for the life of your necktie.

This cutting-edge process produces a superior and fashionable necktie that is crease resistant, stain resistant, and most importantly, antimicrobial - so you don’t have to carry your day around with you. 

Neckties have been clinically proven to harbor enough harmful bacteria to transmit illness – some studies showing almost half of neckties tested - why take a chance at transmitting that bacteria?

Take a look at some of the news about neckties and Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI's).

AARP article

USA Today article

 How Clean is Your Doctor's Necktie?