Tungum tubing is increasingly used in medical applications, due to its antimicrobial features.

Hyperbaric Medical Chambers

Tungum tubing is ideal for use in hyperbaric medical chambers as it is an excellent antimicrobial material (as a brass alloy which contains 84% copper) with non-sparking features, which makes it ideal for use with oxygen.

The most recent hyperbaric medical chamber from Submarine Manufacturing was installed for NHS Orkney. Tungum tubing was used extensively on this chamber, both inside and out. This engineering and manufacturing methodology, including Tungum tubing, gives hospitals the very best hyperbaric solution to meet their needs in the 21st century.

Submarine Manufacturing

Submarine Manufacturing uses Tungum products when manufacturing hyperbaric medical chambers (sometimes referred to as hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers (HBOT)) for the medical industry as a measure to inhibit the growth of harmful pathogens – bacteria, moulds, algae, fungi and viruses. In recent times hospitals have come under increasing scrutiny due to outbreaks of potentially deadly bacterial infections such as MRSA. Bacteria, such as MRSA, is especially troublesome in hospitals and nursing homes where patients with open wounds, invasive devices and weakened immune systems are at greater risk of infection than the general public. For more information on hyperbaric medical chambers / hyperbaric oxygen treatment chambers (HBOT), please contact Submarine Manufacturing on:+44 (0)1772 687775 or visit www.smp-ltd.com

Copper Development Association

For more information on the Copper Development Association website please visit: www.copperalliance.org.uk

CDA Clinical Trials

The Copper Development Association (CDA) has been carrying out clinical trials at Selly Oak Hospital, part of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust. It concluded that the use of copper alloys could reduce the amount of micro organisms contained on them by 90-100% when compared to standard materials. In the test ward, frequently touched surfaces were identified and replaced with copper-containing items including: door handles, push plates, sink taps, grab rails, dressing trolleys, over-bed tables, toilet seats and light switches. These items were used and evaluated over a period of 18 months, in order to observe the effects on environmental microbial loads.