Covalon publishes results of ValGuard study in JAVA

Dr. Katherine Evely reports COVALON ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF IMPACTFUL VALGUARD LINE GUARD CLINICAL STUDY DEMONSTRATING SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN CENTRAL LINE-ASSOCIATED BLOOD STREAM INFECTIONS (CLABSIS) Covalon Technologies Ltd. has published results from a peer-reviewed clinical study investigating the use of Covalon's ValGuard vascular access line guard in the Journal of the Association for Vascular Access (JAVA). Conducted at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, a nationally ranked U.S. pediatric hospital, the study, titled "Evaluation of a Line Guard for Pediatric CLABSI Prevention: A Pre-Post Intervention Study," demonstrated a significant reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), including a sustained period of zero CLABSIs in the pediatric critical care unit (PCCU). Central line-associated bloodstream infections remain one of the most serious and costly hospital-acquired infections, tragically affecting hundreds of thousands of patients every year. They carry high mortality rates, increase hospital length of stay and add billions of dollars in costs to the health care system. Importantly, CLABSIs are largely preventable, making their reduction a top priority for health systems across the United States and globally and underscoring the importance of advanced technologies that protect patients against these life-threatening infections. Covalon's ValGuard line guard is a transparent, single-use barrier device that covers IV (intravenous) line connections and catheter hubs, designed to protect against gross contamination. By addressing one of the most persistent risks of central line care -- line contamination -- ValGuard provides health care providers with a practical, easy-to-use addition to their infection-prevention protocols. Study results The pre-post intervention study assessed ValGuard's effectiveness in CLABSI prevention across the Children's Hospital at Montefiore's PCCU and acute care units: In the PCCU, where ValGuard compliance was highest, CLABSI rates decreased by 100 per cent -- from an average monthly rate of 1.8 CLABSIs per 1,000 line days in the 15 months preimplementation to 0.0 in the 16 months postimplementation. In the acute care units, CLABSI rates decreased by 53 per cent -- from an average monthly rate of 1.5 CLABSIs per 1,000 line days preimplementation to 0.7 postimplementation. "As a leading pediatric hospital, we care for children with a variety of serious illnesses and are always focused on providing sophisticated care in the safest, most effective way," said Dr. Diana Lulgjuraj, PhD, RN, CPN, clinical nurse scientist and assistant director of nursing research at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore. "Our research shows that incorporating a line guard into our infection-prevention protocols can deliver meaningful benefits for children requiring central line access." "The publication of this study marks an important milestone for Covalon and for ValGuard," said Dr. Katherine Evely, vice-president of clinical affairs at Covalon. "It represents novel, peer-reviewed evidence supporting the product's clinical impact when used as part of an infection-prevention bundle." This peer-reviewed publication provides strong third party support of ValGuard and helps reinforce Covalon's exciting growth strategy within its vascular access and surgical consumables business segment. A scientific poster based on the study was recently selected by the Association for Vascular Access as one of only four presented from the podium during a pediatric-focused session at its annual scientific meeting in September. The findings will also be showcased at the ANCC National Magnet Conference, a premier event for nursing professionals, in October. About Covalon Technologies Ltd. Covalon is a leading medical device company dedicated to improving patient outcomes through innovative and compassionate medical products and technologies. The company's expertise spans advanced wound care, vascular access and surgical consumables, with a strong focus on enhancing healing, reducing health-care-associated infections (HAIs) and protecting skin integrity. Covalon's solutions are designed for patients and made for care providers. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol: COV) and trades on the OTCQX market (symbol: CVALF). We seek Safe Harbor.