Seeing the Light: Evidence Mounts for the Use of UV Technology to Reduce Surface Microbial Loads, Boost Manual Cleaning and Disinfection

Article

This report summarizes and synthesizes studies from the medical literature examining the efficacy and benefits of using germicidal UV-C light technology to enhance manual cleaning and disinfection of healthcare environmental surfaces.

Report Summary

This report summarizes and synthesizes studies from the medical literature examining the efficacy and benefits of using germicidal UV-C light technology to enhance manual cleaning and disinfection of healthcare environmental surfaces.

Editor's Take

Hear from three experts regarding their experiences using a UV disinfection unit and how the technology helped cut costs, reduce infection rates and bolster disinfection practices. As expert David Pegues notes, the acquisition cost of these units is relatively modest compared to what it takes for environmental services personnel to perform the same function. He adds that facilities can avoid the excess costs that would result from treating Clostridium difficile infections. By preventing infections, healthcare institutions prevent harm and save money.

Takeaways for Your Business

  • Review studies from the medical literature that address UV disinfection

  • Discover how UV technology was used in several healthcare institutions under real-world conditions

  • Learn about potential cost savings associated with the use of automated area decontamination technology
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Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in hospitals  (Adobe Stock 339297096 by Melinda Nagy)
Set of white bottles with cleaning liquids on the white background. (Adobe Stock 6338071172112 by zolnierek)
Association for the Health Care Environment (Logo used with permission)
Woman lying in hospital bed (Adobe Stock, unknown)
Photo of a model operating room. (Photo courtesy of Indigo-Clean and Kenall Manufacturing)
Mona Shah, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, Construction infection preventionist  (Photo courtesy of Mona Shah)
UV-C Robots by OhmniLabs.  (Photo from OhmniLabs website.)
CDC  (Adobe Stock, unknown)
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