High-Tech Fiber Could Thwart Infection

TORRANCE, Calif. -- A revolutionary new fiber could drastically improve the lives of soldiers -- active and retired. Unlike most antibacterial clothing products which rely on heavy chemical treatments, this newly available fiber -- offered by Torrance-based Pi-Ray America -- uses embedded mineral content to thwart infection and odor, and to increase circulation. Pi-Ray has sent thousands of socks to the troops on the ground in Iraq.

"Pi-Ray fiber could solve many common problems that occur on the battlefield as well as in the VA Hospital system, and would be a fiscally responsible choice," said Pi-Ray president and registered nurse Loren Chang.

"Because of its unique embedded anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, this everyday wearing apparel helps reduce secondary infections in government hospitals, and the foot discomfort suffered by our troops in the field. Since the minerals are embedded, not coated, bonded, sprayed or treated as most other products, Pi-Ray Socks and its healing effects will last longer," Chang said.

More people died of hospital acquired infections in 2001 than in car accidents according to the National Health Institute and subject of a Chicago Tribune expose (July, 2002). In addition, reports from Iraq indicated that troops suffered from a lack of laundry facilities and clean socks.

Tests done by five independent laboratories including Dr. George Jaresko at the University of Southern California (USC) and Bio-Path Clinical Laboratories in Van Nuys, Calif. showed that the Pi-Ray fabric inhibited bacteria including Staphylococcus, Bacillus Subtillis, klebsiella, and Pseudomonas areoginosa, and various types of fungus including Candida albicans, and Athletic fungus.

The test results showed that Pi-Ray fabric completely inhibits even antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus and athlete's foot fungus.

"These socks are the perfect solution for our soldiers who endure long periods of time without laundry facilities," Chang said.

Source: Pi-Ray America