Thomas Memorial Hospital Eliminates Superbugs with Room Disinfection System

Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston announces it is the first hospital in West Virginia to use the Xenex PX-UV disinfection system in its operating rooms. The Xenex system is designed to be a fast, safe and effective method for the advanced cleaning of operating rooms, scientifically proven to destroy all major classes of microorganisms that cause hospital-acquired infections.

The Xenex PX-UV disinfection system uses pulsed xenon technology to deliver high-intensity, broad-spectrum ultraviolet light to quickly kill microorganisms on surfaces and in the air without contact or chemicals. The UV penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, essentially fusing their DNA, leading to instant damage, the inability to reproduce or mutate, and killing the organism.

"This is very exciting for Thomas to have this type of equipment. This new technology will provide the safest area for our patients and save lives," says Steve Dexter, president and CEO of Thomas Health System.

The Xenex system has been proven effective on a variety of the most dangerous superbugs in several independent labs in the U.S. and internationally. In hospital trials, Xenex has consistently shown to be more than 20 times more effective than standard cleaning practices.

"The Foundation is so pleased to be able to help bring this high tech equipment to Thomas and to be the first in the state with this amazing infection control technology," says Owen Higgins, a board member of The Foundation for the Thomas Memorial and Saint Francis Hospitals.

"Innovative hospitals like Thomas Memorial Hospital are investing in Xenex disinfection technology to make their patients safer," says Brian Cruver, CEO of Xenex Healthcare. "Traditional chemical cleaning methods are proven to be inadequate, which results in a significant increase in the infection risk. Much like the first automobile makers to install airbags because seatbelts were just not enough, Thomas Memorial Hospital is taking patient protection to the next level while leading the healthcare industry toward a new and better standard of cleanliness and care."