Healthcare-related products made of antimicrobial fabric “should be a big deal for our industry,” says Bill Kartsonis, president of Superior Linen Supply Co. But obstacles include high cost and lack of research on the fabric’s effectiveness at preventing infection.
 
Antimicrobial textiles—including fabrics treated with chemicals or silver—were introduced more than 20 years ago. They feature “important” qualities, he says. “I’d like to see that market develop, but it’s been painfully slow.” Healthcare facilities and hospitals “have not been clamoring for it. There’s not been a hue and cry” for antimicrobial uniforms, curtains and sheets, says Kartsonis, who’s ...