Traditional cleaning methods, though quite effective, still cannot get rid of all the pathogens. This is particularly true for pathogens that are resistant to disinfectants. In hospitals, UV disinfection is a powerful tool that is employed to combat hospital-associated infections. UV-C disinfection utilizes ultraviolet light in the C spectrum (wavelengths between 180-280 nanometers). When UV-C light penetrates the cell walls of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, it damages their nucleic acids, preventing the microorganisms from reproducing and renders them harmless. There are endless applications for UV-C disinfection in healthcare settings.
Applications of UV-C Disinfection in Healthcare Settings
Disinfection of Patient Rooms
Hospital room disinfection is one of the most common applications of UV-C devices in healthcare. Utilization of UV-C devices upon the discharge of a patient to sterilize the room, can inactivate or remove all other potential pathogens that are left behind. This way, the risk of acquiring hospital-associated infection is greatly reduced within the hospital.
Disinfection of High-Touch Surfaces
Another application of UV-C disinfection in healthcare is for surface disinfection. High-touch contact surfaces such as bed rails, doorknobs, medical equipment, and countertops account for a large route of pathogen transmission in healthcare facilities.
UV-C disinfection systems can be employed in operating theaters, and intensive care units to ensure that the decontamination process takes place. Portable UV-C devices can be effortlessly transferred to another room to be used. The UV-C light that it emits can inactivate 99.9% of pathogens found on exposed surfaces in about 15 minutes.
Air Disinfection
Airborne pathogens are among the most significant threats in healthcare settings, leading to respiratory infections. UV-C disinfection in healthcare can be effectively implemented by integrating HVAC systems with UV-C disinfection units or as an alternative stand-alone implementation within most air purifiers. The air that circulates and passes through UV-C chambers has reduced microbial load, thus minimizing the chance of this type of airborne transmission. Their use is most essential in areas where good air quality is required, such as
- waiting areas
- patient rooms
- surgical suites
Water and Wastewater Treatment
The water and wastewater from healthcare facilities may act as potential sources of contamination. UV-C can be used for treating water supplies and wastewater. This will destroy harmful microorganisms, thus ensuring that the water in health care facilities is safe.
Equipment and Device Disinfection
One instance of UV-C disinfection of healthcare equipment and devices includes endoscopes, surgical instruments, and diagnostic tools that undergo rigid disinfection procedures. Items of this nature can be exposed to UV-C light in between uses to disinfect them and ensure that they are free of any pathogenic contamination.
Specialized UV-C cabinets and chambers are designed to contain various medical instruments, efficiently and reliably disinfecting them. This application will improve patient safety and may also increase the lifespan of costly medical equipment.
Ambulance and Emergency Vehicle Disinfection.
Ambulances and emergency vehicles drive patients in different conditions and hence may harbor many pathogens. UV-C disinfection units could be installed in these to sterilize its interior at regular intervals so that it remains safe for patients and emergency personnel.
Disinfection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled PPEs for usage by frontline health workers. Sterilization by means of UV-C guarantees the safe reuse of PPE, such as masks, gowns, and face shields, when their supply is limited. This application of UV-C disinfection in healthcare helps elongate the life of PPEs and ensure healthcare workers are well protected.
Benefits of UV-C Disinfection
High Efficacy
It is beneficial to use UV-C disinfection in healthcare settings as it is highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) such as
- MRSA
- C. difficile.
Many studies have concluded that UV-C disinfection has the potential to reduce surface and air pathogen load, leading to reduced HAIs rates.
Non-Chemical Disinfection
Unlike traditional chemical disinfectants, UV-C disinfection is free of toxic chemicals. Therefore, it is an excellent solution for making the environment safer for healthcare workers and patients. UV-C light does not require handling or storage of hazardous chemicals, reducing the risk of exposure to chemicals. It also simplifies the disinfection process and reduces its environmental footprint.
Rapid Disinfection
Another benefit of using UV-C disinfection in healthcare settings is that it’s a fast process, and capable of disinfecting surfaces and air within minutes. With fast turnaround times for room disinfection, facilities can ensure better patient flow, reduce downtime between procedures, and raise operational efficiency.
Automated and Consistent
Hospital UV-C disinfection systems can be automated to provide consistent and reliable disinfection. The systems can be programmed to run at specific times, thus eliminating reliance on manual labor and minimizing human error. This consistency in disinfection practices is critical to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and infection control.
Efficacy limitations and Safety concerns
Even though UV-C is lethal to a wide array of pathogens, it cannot penetrate surfaces and shadows. Organic material like dust and other body fluids might protect the pathogen from UV-C, hence decreasing its effectiveness.
There are several safety concerns with UV-C disinfection. In humans, direct exposure to UV-C light can cause skin burns and eye injuries. Hence, strict safety measures should be implemented to avoid accidental exposure. Long exposures of UV-C light can lead to equipment damage further leading to increase in maintenance costs.
UV-C disinfection in healthcare settings fares very well against infectious diseases. The capability of UV-C to inactivate a large spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms without exposure to dangerous chemicals makes it an extremely valuable tool in hygiene maintenance and infection prevention—right from patient rooms and surgical theaters, to medical equipment and PPE.
Contact MIS today to learn more about how we can support your infection control efforts.
