Germ-Eliminating Technology Improves Patient Safety at the Medical Center of Central Georgia

Infection control experts at the Medical Center of Central Georgia report the use of cutting-edge UV technology has been key in maintaining pathogen-free environments and improving overall patient safety.

MCCG has deployed an arsenal of devices called TRU-D SmartUVC(TM) -- short for Total Room Ultraviolet Disinfectors -- since 2010. Two of the hospital's five devices are dedicated to operating rooms while three rotate among patient rooms. Hospital officials attribute the use of TRU-D, along with evidence-based practices, to a significant decrease in the number of infections seen since the initial deployment of the technology.

"By utilizing TRU-D in our disinfection efforts, we are able to thoroughly decontaminate the whole room." says Dr. Fady Wanna, chief medical officer for MCCG. "The UV light emitted by TRU-D kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA organisms, both on surfaces and in the air. When combined with appropriate hand hygiene and contact precautions, the TRU-D technology has proven effective in making our hospital safer for patients and ensuring that we are providing the highest level of patient care possible."

TRU-D is an automated and intuitive system designed to complement a hospital's comprehensive cleaning and disinfection program, eliminating human error. After a hospital staff member cleans a room using traditional methods, TRU-D is rolled into the room to finish the job. From a single placement near the center of the room, its patented Sensor360(TM) technology instantly analyzes the unique contents, shape and size of the room, then floods the targeted space (both line-of-site and shadowed spaces) with the proper dose of germicidal energy necessary for complete disinfection of all surfaces in the room. TRU-D spends whatever time is necessary (usually 20 to 35 minutes) to confidently eliminate infectious pathogens from contaminated surfaces before shutting down and audibly notifying the operator that disinfection is complete.

"TRU-D SmartUVC can quickly achieve 99.99 percent disinfection of bacteria and spores," says Bob Taylor, sales director of TRU-D LLC. "A precisely measured dose of germicidal light modifies the DNA structure of an infectious cell so it cannot reproduce, and a cell that cannot reproduce cannot colonize and cannot harm us."

"We have experienced major savings due to the reduction in overall infections," says Nancy Osborn, RN, manager of MCCG's Prevention and Control Center. "We attribute the reduction in hospital-associated infections to evidenced-based practice changes. High on the list of interventions is the judicial use of TRU-D on rooms that bed patients and a nightly rotation in the surgical suites."

Designed with safety in mind, TRU-D is equipped with sensors, signage and audible commands to protect operators and reduce risk. The machine requires minimal labor to operate, making it financially feasible to proactively use around the clock. TRU-D's patented Sensor360 dose delivery method removes human variables and errors inherent in room disinfection process, such as missed high-touch contaminated surfaces (such as light switches) or improper timing and placement of lesser-equipped UVC devices in the marketplace.

The Medical Center of Central Georgia, an entity of Central Georgia Health System, is a tertiary regional teaching medical center, a designated Level I Trauma Center, a perinatal center and is one of 42 twice-designated Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence nationwide.