VESTEX® Protects. The ONLY Brand You Can Trust.
With over a decade of research-based, proven performance in microbial protection, VESTEX® is the FIRST and ONLY US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class 2 510(k)-Cleared Active Barrier apparel designed to protect the wearer in the following areas:
Reduce: Microbial Protective Efficacy
Tested. Proven. VESTEX® Protects.
VESTEX® reduces exposure, retention, and colonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Human Coronaviruses on the apparel.
Valid scientific evidence is evidence from well-controlled investigations from which it can fairly and responsibly be concluded by qualified experts that there is reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of a device.
– US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Hospital ICU Controlled Clinical Trial
The real-world clinical effectiveness of VESTEX® was established in a randomized, blinded, crossover trial conducted in a teaching hospital intensive care unit. VESTEX®-protected products demonstrated efficacy by reducing greater than 99.99% of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) on health care workers’ (HCW) clothing compared to control clothing measured before and after a 12-hour work shift. This reduces the risk of the microbes spreading from patient to patients during the day and out into the community or home at the end of the day.
VESTEX® scrubs were associated with a statistically significant 99.99% – 99.999% reduction in MRSA microbial bioburden.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2012
Download studyWhen bundled with known infection prevention strategies such as hand hygiene, “VESTEX” antimicrobial-impregnated apparel may limit the bacterial burden of the inanimate environment.
– Gonzalo M.L. Bearman, Richard P. Wenzel, et al.
For settings with high rates of hospital-acquired infections with drug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA, the use of “VESTEX” antimicrobial apparel may be a useful adjunct to other infection prevention measures.1
Laboratory, Real-World, Worst-Case Simulation Studies: FDA Cleared
In laboratory studies designed to test real-world, worst-case circumstances, VESTEX®-protected products reduced greater than 99% of MRSA, when compared to regular non-protective clothing at the zero-, 15-minute and 12-hour time points.
The FDA requires laboratory testing and methods that simulate real-world, worst-case scenarios and levels of microbial and hazardous fluid inoculation in testing time frames which replicate workflow and duration of wear.
VESTEX®-developed Proprietary Test Methods have been accepted as valid by the FDA. It is important to note that all other “antimicrobial” fabric test methods use highly artificial settings of testing that do not replicate real-world, worst-case circumstances encountered by personnel during normal use.
VESTEX® works fast.
For the purposes of validation, the results of these assays strongly correlate with the findings of a blinded clinical trial conducted by Bearman and colleagues.
– Matthew Hardwick, Margaret Cotton, Thomas Walsh
In their study, the authors performed a prospective, crossover trial testing the effectiveness of scrubs made with VESTEX-treated antimicrobial fabric at reducing on-apparel bacterial bioburden. The study demonstrates 4–7 mean log CFU reduction of MRSA on the antimicrobial-treated scrub shirts of hospital personnel relative to control scrub shirts.
We demonstrate similar reductions in MRSA on antimicrobial-treated fabric relative to control fabric for each method of inoculation. Although more studies are needed, Bearman’s findings validate our laboratory findings in the clinical setting of an intensive care unit.2
Competitive Technology Clinical Studies
Many other “antimicrobial” textile technologies have failed to show efficacy in the real-world use setting of a hospital. Take a look at the clinical studies of other “antimicrobials” to see how VESTEX® will reinvent the scope of safety in the workplace and beyond. Whether you’re a consumer relying on VESTEX® protection, work in a mill setting and are adding VESTEX® to your manufacturing process, or represent a brand considering a product line featuring VESTEX®, the clinical studies prove that VESTEX® delivers what others cannot.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2015
Download studySeveral studies have assessed the effectiveness of textiles and apparel that use antimicrobials alone (i.e. silver, Chitosan). These studies indicate that an antimicrobial alone may not be sufficient to reduce the growth (and thus the retention and transmission) of micro-organisms.3
– Amber H. Mitchell, Maureen Spencer, Charles Edmiston, Jr.
VESTEX® Spectrum of Microbial Activity
What We Are Up Against – MRSA, COVID and Beyond. VESTEX® Protects.
The FDA 510(k) clearance for VESTEX®-protected products is currently for the retention/reduction of MRSA. There have been multiple studies that support the effectiveness of VESTEX®-protected products for Human Coronaviruses and other multi drug-resistant organisms. Using the same FDA testing methods, independent peer-reviewed research has shown the effectiveness of VESTEX® products:
• Acinetobacter Baumannii
• Clostridioides Dificile
• Human Coronavirus
• Klebsiella Pneumonia Carbapenemase
• Listeria Monocytogenes
• Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
• Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci
VESTEX® Antimicrobial Protection. Safe and Effective.
VESTEX® contains a broad-spectrum, rapidly active, antimicrobial agent that is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency4 and comparable regulatory bodies around the world. Products protected by VESTEX® provide confidence that you have a new level of safety and protection no matter your workplace or industry. Our decade of innovation and evolution, as supported by FDA review, reinforces the antimicrobial potency found in VESTEX®.
According to the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities5, results from manufacturers’ data sheets and published scientific literature show that the VESTEX® antimicrobial agent is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal against lipophilic (enveloped) viruses.
The mechanism of action for the VESTEX® antimicrobial includes disruption of the cell membrane, denaturation of cell surface and transmembrane proteins, and inactivation of bio-energetic systems to prevent the microorganisms from being retained on the fabric.
The agent has been used safely and effectively for decades and is well documented to be effective and safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
More about VESTEX® safetyReview a complete listing of which organisms VESTEX® antimicrobials have been laboratory tested against.
View listing1 Bearman GM, Rosato A, Elam K, et al. A crossover trial of antimicrobial scrubs to reduce Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus burden on healthcare worker apparel. Infect Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2012;33:268–275. Data available upon request.
2 Data available upon request.
3 Mitchell A, et al., Role of healthcare apparel and other healthcare textiles in the transmission of pathogens: a review of the literature, Journal of Hospital Infection (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2015.02.017. Data available upon request.
4 VESTEX® EPA Registration Number 48937-1-99378
5 William A. Rutala, Ph.D., M.P.H., David J. Weber, M.D., M.P.H., and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008, update: 2019.05. Data available upon request.
Repel: A Second Line of Defense
VESTEX®-protected products provide FDA-cleared fluid repellency of blood, urine, sputum, bleach, and gastric fluid and reduces the retention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Human Coronavirus on the surface (outer layer) of the apparel, thus protecting the wearer by limiting the exposure to the wearer’s skin and undergarments, while maintaining fabric comfort and breathability. In turn, this allows the VESTEX® antimicrobial textile to reduce exposure, retention, and colonization of these pathogens on the surface of the apparel.
Today’s world is full of uncertainty with new risks to exposure. VESTEX® provides protection to workers where intermittent or unexpected exposure to microorganisms from blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious material can occur. In many jobs, inadvertent splashes and splatters are daily occurrences, leaving workers or consumers vulnerable to exposure. Occupations where personnel may encounter these types of fluids include physicians, nurses, environmental services personnel, food service and processing staff, laboratory workers, physical therapists, and patient care specialists.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2015
Download studyNot having hydrophobic repellency means that the organic material from blood and body fluids may actually interfere with the impregnated antimicrobial agent’s ability to inhibit or kill bacterial contamination.1
– Amber H. Mitchell, Maureen Spencer, Charles Edmiston, Jr.
Fluids Repelled By VESTEX®
Assessing the Fluid Repellency of Healthcare Worker Attire to Simulated Body Fluid & Hazardous Drug Exposures in the age of High Reliability Healthcare
Download studyThis study uses standard testing methods to assess the fluid repellency of traditional uniform/scrubs (control), and VESTEX garments when exposed to simulated body fluids and hazardous drugs.2
DISCLAIMER: Prolonged exposure of the VESTEX® fabric to caustic agents can potentially affect future fluid resistant properties. Careful consideration should be taken to replace the effected garment in accordance with the standard safety protocols.
1 Mitchell, A. (2015). Making the Case for Textiles with a Dual Mechanism of Action. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 36(4), 486-487. doi:10.1017/ice.2014.92. [lastaccessed 19.03.15]. Data available upon request.
2 Taylor Wood, MD, Ben Favret. Assessing the Fluid Repellency of Healthcare Worker Attire to Simulated Body Fluid & Hazardous Drug Exposures in the age of High Reliability Healthcare, 2017. Data available upon request.
Reinventing Worker Safety With Apparel That Protects
1 Setting a New Standard
VESTEX® REINVENTS worker protection by protecting the wearer from intermittent or unexpected exposure to microorganisms from blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious materials that they may encounter at work or out in the community. Through its numerous endorsements and awards, VESTEX® sets a new standard in worker safety.
View VESTEX® endorsements & awards2 Filling The Gap In Worker Safety
Active Barrier Apparel
By reducing exposure, retention and colonization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Human Coronaviruses on clothing, workers and everyone they contact are safer.
General work clothes are not intended to function as protection against a hazard and are not considered to be personal protective equipment.
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA)
VESTEX® does NOT replace appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used in settings with known hazards such as during procedures, in isolation rooms where patients are known to have infectious disease, in laboratories or in occupational settings where blood and body fluid exposure can be anticipated, and where appropriate PPE can be worn. However PPE is often improperly used, not worn, or not available, putting the worker at risk for exposure, colonization, and infection.
VESTEX® replaces non-protective general work clothes and uniforms that are known to become rapidly contaminated in scenarios involving PPE such as:
Improper Use And Removal: Improper use and removal of personal protective equipment (for example—gowns, gloves, masks) can cause cross-contamination of clothing resulting in negative health consequences for the worker and the community. During the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Canada, 44% of the probable SARS cases were in healthcare workers because they failed to properly use PPE.
Not Worn: Some jobs have unpredictable, uncontrolled, and urgent circumstances, as found in emergency room, clinic, accident response and many other settings. In such work environments, workers fail to wear PPE because they are too busy or not aware of the need for PPE. Other studies have reported that when a protective garment is not comfortable, it is not worn.
Not Available: In many outback locations or in crisis, sometimes PPE is not available. Shockingly, in one study, 24% of nurses working in hospitals reported lack of availability of PPE supplies as the reason for not wearing PPE.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 2015
Download studyWorkers could contaminate their skin or clothes with pathogens during PPE removal.1
– Lisa Casanova, Edie Alfano-Sobsey, William A. Rutala, et al
The use of personal protective equipment should be guided by risk assessment and the extent of contact anticipated with blood and body fluids, or pathogens.
– Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA)
Other non-PPE scenarios where VESTEX® replaces non-protective general work clothes:
- Settings with high rates of hospital-acquired infections with drug-resistant pathogens such as MRSA.
- Settings where a product can not be cleaned daily, i.e., bed cover, curtains, furniture fabric, lab coat.
- A job with high exposure to people.
- A job with high exposure to fluids, i.e., food processing, food manufacturing.
3 Comfort, Durability and Safety for Unparalleled Performance
Breathe Easy. Live Tough.
Comfort is a personal measure of physiological, psychological, and physical harmony between the person and their environment. When a garment is not comfortable, it is not worn and cannot provide the protection the worker needs.
Scientifically, for a garment to be considered comfortable, moisture transmission must occur for fabric breathability. Breathability is greatly impacted by the base fiber content and construction of a garment. VESTEX® leaves the interference space open so there is no impact on the breathability of a base fabric.
Studies2 have shown that VESTEX® treated products have the same level of breathability3 as the identical untreated base fabric.
Engineered For Tough Environments – VESTEX® Durability Is Undeniable
VESTEX®-Protected Products Are FDA Cleared For Long-Term Performance
Apparel protected by VESTEX® maintains its microbial and fluid-protective performance through over 50 wash/dry cycles. But these were not your typical wash/dry cycles. For durability testing, the FDA required soiling of the garment with multiple clinically-relevant materials that simulate real-world, worst-case scenarios incurred by workers during a shift. The soiling, washing and drying was followed by cleaning validation to document that the garment is hygienically clean and still able to pass the microbial and fluid protective testing.
When laundered and cared for according to instructions, VESTEX® will function and perform as indicated.
Wash instructions
Machine wash warm, permanent press cycle. Wash with like colors. Use only non-chlorine bleach. Do not use liquid fabric softeners or laundry detergents containing a fabric softener (liquid or powder). Tumble dry using the permanent-press cycle. Do not use dryer sheets. Light iron as needed.
Note: If fabric softener or dryer sheets are accidentally used, they will not permanently damage the properties of a VESTEX® garment. However, they may temporarily reduce the repellency properties. This can be reversed by running through a repeat cycle, making sure NOT to use either fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Dry Cleaning is not recommended.
Effectiveness and Durability of VESTEX® Apparel on Multiple Drug-Resistant Pathogens
This study demonstrates rapid, greater than 99% bioburden reduction of all test organisms at 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes for VESTEX® compared to non-protective control. The greatest bacterial reduction was seen for unwashed VESTEX® at all time points and organisms, with minimal loss of efficacy at 30 and 50 washes. 4
– Matthew Hardwick and Margaret Cotton
Engineered For The Safety Of Humankind. VESTEX® Protects.
VESTEX®-protected apparel has been worn for protection by over 100,000 doctors, nurses, housekeeping personnel, pharmacy and lab techs, food service staff, and patient care professionals at hospitals across the country with no reported incidence of skin sensitivity, irritation or toxicity. With its proven effectiveness, safety, and durability, there is no limit to the range of uses for VESTEX® fabrics.
There are no known warnings or precautions for use of VESTEX®.
– VESTEX® 510(k) Clearance
FDA Cleared As A Medical Device – Research On VESTEX®-Protected Products Delivers Confidence
Testing conducted by Nelson Laboratories5 concluded that VESTEX® poses no issue with regard to cytotoxicity, skin sensitivity, or irritation, making it a comfortable, safe fabric for workwear in a wide range of environments.
Cytotoxicity: Pass
Device is considered non-cytotoxic: Cell lysis average 1
Sensitization: Pass
Device is considered a non-sensitizer: No evidence of delayed dermal contact sensitization on the Guinea pig.
Irritation Reactivity: Pass
VESTEX® is considered non-irritant: Primary Irritation Index of 0.0
Emergency Nurses Association
Download studyThe product contains no substances which at their given concentration, are considered to be hazardous to health.6
– Thomas Walsh, Kara Elam, et al
The valid scientific evidence used to determine the safety of a device must adequately demonstrate the absence of unreasonable risk of illness or injury associated with the use of the device.
– VESTEX® 510(K) Clearance
Protecting The Wearer. Protecting The Planet.
Products protected by VESTEX® are engineered with sustainable practices to illustrate our ongoing commitment to being stewards of the earth. All Certified VESTEX® Application Partners go through a rigorous process to earn their Certification. The process incorporates the core elements of the BLUESIGN® Criteria to assure product quality, human safety and environmental protection in all aspects of the VESTEX® application.
1 Casanova L, Alfano-Sobsey E, Rutala WA, et al. Virus Transfer from Personal Protective Equipment to Healthcare Employees’ Skin and Clothing. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2008;14(8):1291-1293. doi:10.3201/eid1408.080085.
2 Conducted by The Catawba Valley Community College Manufacturing Solutions Center
3 Breathability as measured by ASTM Standard E96, 2000e1, “Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials”. Data available upon request.
4 Data available upon request.
5 The biological safety of VESTEX® Apparel was evaluated in accordance with ISO 10993-1:2009 and guidance document entitled Blue Book Memo, G95-1, Use of International Standard ISO-10993, and Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices: Part 1: Evaluation and Testing. Under Standards, for the stated indications for use, VESTEX® was classified as a limited exposure (A), surface-contacting device potentially in contact with skin, mucosal membranes, and breached or compromised surfaces. Data available upon request.
6 Elam, K. Walsh, T. Emergency Nurses Association. Data available upon request.