• Home
• Minimize infection risks with thyroid shields

Minimize infection risks with thyroid shields

The CDC estimates that nearly one million people die each year due to hospital acquired infections.¹ A key contributor to these infections is the ability of bacteria to survive for long periods of time on common medical surfaces and fabrics.²

As a fabric-covered product, thyroid shields are a perfect breeding ground for a variety of dangerous bacteria, including multi-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The collar bone area is particularly susceptible to skin-born infections, so extra precaution should be taken, including having a stringent infection control protocol for your thyroid shields—which are often shared among radiology staff—to help prevent cross-contamination and the spread of harmful pathogens.

Thyroid Shields are Designed for Protection

AliMed Thyroid Shields are specially designed to meet strict hygiene standards and reduce the risk of cross-contamination among staff. AliMed’s Ultralight Disposable Thyroid Shield is the only single-use, disposable thyroid collar available in the US. Our Fluidproof Thyroid Shields, are embedded with an antimicrobial agent to help resist the growth of microbes and eliminate odors, making them perfect for staff sharing.

A recent Lead Apron Contamination Study of dental clinics, found standard cleaning procedures to be insufficient. The study examined bacterial contamination of thyroid collars after they had been wiped down with a chemical disinfectant. Twenty-six strains of bacteria were found on the thyroid collars, indicating a risk of cross-contamination and transmission of harmful bacteria.

References

1. Klevens R, Edwards J. Estimating health care-associated infections and deaths in U.S. hospitals, 2002. CDC Public Health Reports. 2007 Mar–Apr;(122):160–166
2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC86187/  Abstract: Survival of Enterococci and Staphylococci on Hospital Fabrics and Plastic.