Harnessing the Antimicrobial Power of EPA-Registered Chlorine Bleach

May 7, 2020

Declan Osborn

Milliken™ BioSmart™ technology makes it simple and practical to integrate protection into common medical garments and products. The patented, bleach-activated technology harnesses the proven power of an EPA-registered chlorine bleach, turning otherwise passive textiles into an added layer of active defense against microbial exposure and contamination.

When laundered as directed with an EPA-registered chlorine bleach*, BioSmart™ technology binds chlorine to the surface of the fabric, which then kills 99.9%** of many common bacteria and viruses.

*when washed according to the EPA-registered chlorine bleach label instructions.
**Laboratory conditions using AATCC 100 test method.

Durable Protection

BioSmart™ is a patented Milliken technology that binds chlorine bleach from each wash cycle to the surface of the fabric. Products with BioSmart technology must be washed with an EPA-registered chlorine bleach* to charge the fabric prior to initial use and each use. BioSmart technology is durable up to 75 launderings.*when washed according to the EPA-registered chlorine bleach label instructions.
Do not use color safe bleach.

Medical Barrier Protective Fabrics for PPE

Milliken Perimeter™ fabrics are solutions for garment producers in search of level 1, level 2 and level 3 medical barrier fabrics for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for front-line medical workers.

Level 1 Medical Barrier Fabrics

Typical Environments for Usage: Basic Care, Standard Hospital Medical Unit

Milliken Perimeter™ fabric
Meets ANSI/AAMI PB70 Standard
Used for MINIMAL risk situations
Provides a slight barrier to small amounts of fluid penetration
Single test of water impacting the surface of the gown material is conducted to assess barrier protection performance.

Level 2 Medical Barrier Fabrics

Typical Environments for Usage: Blood draw from a vein, Suturing, ICU, Pathology lab

Milliken Perimeter™ fabric
Meets ANSI/AAMI PB70 Standard
Used for LOW risk situations
Provides a barrier to larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter and some fluid exposure through soaking
Two tests are conducted to assess barrier protection performance:
- Water impacting the surface of the gown material
- Resistance to water pressure

Level 3 Medical Barrier Fabrics

Typical Environments for Usage: Arterial blood draw, IV insertion, Emergency room, Trauma

Milliken Perimeter™ fabric
Meets ANSI/AAMI PB70 Standard
Used for MODERATE risk situations
Provides a barrier to larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter and more fluid exposure through soaking than Level 2 materials
Two tests are conducted to assess barrier protection performance:
- Water impacting the surface of the gown material
- Resistance to water pressure