Certainty® and Certainty plus® technology

Certainty®

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major public health problem worldwide and can cost hospitals millions of dollars, occupy healthcare workers and harm patients. Mobile soft surfaces such as medical scrubs can help prevent the spread of healthcare associated infections.

The Certainty product line uses an antimicrobial technology called SILVADUR™, developed and patented by Dow Chemical Company, which binds into the matrix of a fabric and uses silver ions to eliminate bacteria.

• When unwanted bacteria come into contact with the tissues, silver ions are released and the bacteria are eliminated.

• Independent third-party laboratories have confirmed that samples with the Certainty antimicrobial technology demonstrate a bacterial reduction of over 99%, even after 50 home washes.

Certainty plus®

The Certainty PLUS product line combines the SILVADUR ™, antimicrobial technology with a liquid barrier BY NANOTEX ™, which is resistant to spills.

The technology builds spill resistance into the fibers of the fabric, transforming each fiber so that liquids bead and roll away.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does antimicrobial technology work in Certainty?

Certainty's antimicrobial polymer-containing silver technology delivers silver ions to fabric surfaces and activates them in the presence of unwanted bacteria. · When unwanted bacteria come into contact with treated tissues, silver ions are released and the bacteria are eliminated.

2. How does the liquid barrier technology work in Certainty PLUS?

Certainty PLUS uses Nanotex's Resists Spills technology, which enhances products through the use of nanotechnology - small molecules that permanently bond to fibers without clogging the fabric or compromising the look, feel or comfort of the fabric. The line builds spill resistance into the fibers of the fabric, transforming each fiber so that liquids bead and roll away.

3. Is the antimicrobial technology safe?

Yes, Silvadur has been extensively tested by Dow scientists and independent third party experts. The technology traps the silver deep within the tissue matrix where it is only activated in the presence of unwanted or 'bad' bacteria on the surface of the treated tissue, therefore it does not interfere with the 'good' bacteria in the skin which act as a of our defense lines in our immune system. The technology does not irritate the skin and does not wash out or rub off when used correctly. An extensive study of sensitivity and the effects of repeated contact with tissues treated with nearly 7x the recommended level of Certainty® showed no "adverse effects".

4. Is antimicrobial and antimicrobial fluid barrier medical clothing new to the market?

Antimicrobial and antimicrobial liquid barrier medical clothing is available in the market and has been available for several years. The difference is Careismatic, a leading manufacturer of scrubs, is launching for the first time an extensive new line for men and women, and a fashionable collection of Cherokee™, America's number one scrubs brand, as well as a full selection of lab coats.

5. What makes the Certainty and Certainty PLUS products different from the competition?

Typical coatings make clothes feel stiff and clog the weave of the fabric, hindering breathability. Treatments in Certainty® and Certainty plus® are small enough to adhere to individual fibers and deliver superior performance characteristics that prevent the fabric from appearing stiff and irritating the skin.

Unlike particle-based silver technologies that release both ionic silver and silver-laced particles into the environment, Certainty and Certainty PLUS antimicrobials only release silver ions onto the surface, making it better for the environment.

The few products on the market do not have the depth and breadth of product selection that the new line will provide. The color gamut in Certainty and Certainty PLUS is essential for groups working in color-coded settings.

6. How attractive is antimicrobial medical clothing to people in the medical field?

Research by Careismatic found the following:

• 70% of healthcare workers are concerned or extremely concerned about the spread of germs through their clothing

• Even when concerned, 52% reported wearing scrubs outside of work at least several times a week

• When asked why they would buy antimicrobial scrubs, medical professionals list personal safety as their top concern, followed by taking germs to family, then safety for their patients and colleagues

7. What is the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) view on antimicrobials? clothing?

OSHA is exploring the creation of a rule to protect workers from occupational exposure to infectious agents/diseases not covered by current regulations. There is currently no agency mandate requiring healthcare professionals to use antimicrobial technology scrubs.

OSHA is waiting for ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) to develop a new classification standard that would protect healthcare workers from potentially infectious microorganisms.

Careismatic is working closely with ASTM to discuss potential new classification standards and is monitoring the situation very closely.

Certainty® and Certainty plus® provide eco-friendly, cost-effective and long-lasting protection against unwanted bacterial growth on a fabric with unparalleled superiority in fit, comfort, style and price.