Proventec Plc (AIM:PROV), a provider of specialist steam cleaning and coatings technologies, announces that its subsidiary, OspreyDeepClean Limited, has passed clinical trials that confirm its cleaning system can successfully combat micro-organisms, including 'superbugs' such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile, which are responsible for healthcare acquired infections.

The tests, by the Hospital Infection Protection Environmental Research (HIPER) Unit at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), confirm that all of the surface types contaminated by each of the test organisms were successfully decontaminated by the OspreyDeepClean process, without the use of any chemicals.

The commissioned research study focused on the decontamination of high-risk, high-contact hospital surfaces, such as bed frames, mattresses, and chairs, from MRSA, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella and the spores of emerging superbug Clostridium difficile.

The tests were conducted using only dry saturated steam generated by the OspreyDeepClean unit directed through specialist cleaning tools. The results were validated by microbiological measures following the cleaning procedure for each surface which established that rapid and total disinfection of all test surfaces was achieved.

Michael Rollins, Environmental Research Project Manager at UCLH, said; 'The development of a new generation of steam disinfection tools, which are purpose-designed, easy to use and which deliver consistent disinfection, is a significant step forward in the battle against healthcare acquired infections.

'OspreyDeepClean's design and manufacturing capability and resources are allowing us to investigate the full potential of saturated steam decontamination in the protection of hospital environments. We are delighted with the results to date and can foresee successful integration of OspreyDeepClean's systems within hospital cleaning services.'

David Chestnutt, Chief Executive of Proventec Plc, said: 'This is a tremendous validation of OspreyDeepClean's technology. These machines demand less water than conventional cleaners and also require no chemical agents. Our systems achieve a higher level of hygiene, and together with the time, material and labour savings, significantly help reduce cleaning overheads for customers.

'With this endorsement, following from the successful completion of clinical trials, we are excited about the growing opportunities within the healthcare market.'

The full details of the tests will be published at the Infection Control Nurses Association (ICNA) Conference on 25 September in Brighton.

Share price to-day
10.50p 0.00p
as at 18:58:48 on 20 Sep 2006