Copper is a natural germ killer and can reduce the risk of infection, which has become more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our newest patient care tower boasts copper coating on “high touch areas” like door handles, sink faucets and more to help prevent hospital-acquired infections, and we're in the process of retrofitting the rest of the hospital with copper-coated finishes. 

In this story on WOLO, Vice President of Facilities and Support Services, Mike Greeley, and hospitalist James P. Benedict Jr., MD, discuss why Lexington Medical Center chose to invest in copper-coated finishes when planning the new patient tower. 


Studies show that copper ions destroy germs and reduce the risk of infection. Research also shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can only live on copper surfaces for four hours, though it can live on stainless surfaces for 2-3 days.

Hospitals across the country constantly strive to prevent patients from acquiring infections while in the hospital. Copper coating is another tool in Lexington Medical Center's arsenal to help prevent infections.

Though Lexington Medical Center invested in copper finishes long before the COVID-19 pandemic began, that investment has been especially beneficial this year as we strive to keep patients safe and healthy.