Lehigh Valley Expands Fleet of Superbug-Slaying Robots

Lehigh Valley Health Network announces the deployment of two additional TRU-D SmartUVCTM devices, adding to its existing arsenal of five 5-foot-5 germ-killing UV disinfection robots. With seven devices taking up residence within the network, LVHN is now deploying the largest fleet of TRU-Ds in the U.S. to proactively combat superbugs and provide the best possible patient care available.

Short for Total Room Ultraviolet Disinfector, TRU-D the signature product of Memphis-based Lumalier is the only portable UV disinfection system on the market that precisely measures reflected UV-C emissions with Sensor360 to automatically calculate the pathogen-lethal UV dose required for proper and consistent disinfection of healthcare environments. LVHN was an early adopter of the technology, receiving TRU-D No. 1 in 2008.

We had isolated clusters of infection in our burn unit and ICU, says Terry Burger, director of infection control and prevention at LVHN. Disinfecting the rooms with TRU-D halted both clusters. Since then, we have requested funds to expand the use of this technology in our facilities. Our mission is to heal, comfort and care for the people of our community and to maintain a safe environment for our patients. 

UV disinfection technology is an attractive option for hospitals to include in their comprehensive cleaning and disinfection programs, as TRU-D reduces the possibility of human error and takes the guesswork out of determining whether a patient room or surgery suite is completely disinfected and ready for the next patient.

TRU-D SmartUVC can achieve 99.99 percent disinfection of bacteria and spores, says Bob Taylor, sales director of TRU-D LLC. Germicidal light energy generated by TRU-D modifies the DNA structure of an infectious cell so it cannot reproduce, and a cell that cannot reproduce cannot colonize and cannot harm us. Its certainly breakthrough technology that enhances patient care.

LVHN deploys TRU-D to disinfect rooms following a Clostridium difficile infected patient and on a rotational basis in all operating rooms. Plus, TRU-D is used to target infection clusters anywhere in the hospital. After a hospital staff member cleans the room using traditional methods, TRU-D is rolled into the room to finish the job. Set-up is fast and easy and does not require input of room measurements or covering of windows and vents. The machine is turned on from outside the room using a handheld remote. From a single placement near the center of the room, its patented Sensor360 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. TRU-D spends whatever time is necessary (usually 20 to 35 minutes) to confidently eliminate infectious germs from contaminated surfaces before shutting down and audibly notifying the operator that disinfection is complete.

Source: TRU-D