University Health Shreveport Unveils Xenex Germ-Zapping Robot to Enhance Patient Safety

University Health Shreveport is the first and only acute care hospital in Louisiana to use Xenex Disinfection Services' germ-zapping technology to increase patient safety.

The portable disinfection device uses pulsed xenon to deliver ultraviolet (UV) light that is 25,000 times more powerful than sunlight to destroy deadly bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacterial spores. The device is proven to destroy the most dangerous and hard-to-kill superbugs like Clostridium difficile (C. diff), norovirus, influenza and MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria). This technology is used in addition to extensive cleaning services provided by the hospital's environmental services team.

"University Health is committed to patient safety. Xenex is a high-level disinfection option that complements the strong disinfection program we already have in place," says Dr. Kevin Sittig, chief medical officer at University Health. "Bacteria that have become smart enough to grow on surfaces like computer keyboards cannot hide from this light. They will be destroyed by this new technology. We have zero tolerance for hospital-acquired infections and this Xenex robot helps us achieve our goal."

One U.S. hospital that uses the Xenex room disinfection system has reported a 53 percent decrease in C. diff infections, according to published data. A "green," mercury-free technology, the Xenex system is an effective method for the advanced cleaning of hospital rooms. In just 5 to 10 minutes, the device can disinfect high-risk patient areas, including operating rooms and equipment, patient rooms and bathrooms. The Xenex unit pulses UV light over high-touch surfaces where germs reside, destroying the deadly pathogens without leaving a chemical residue.

"Xenex devices are proven to destroy the dangerous microorganisms that cause infections. Innovative hospitals like University Health that are focused on patient safety and improving the quality of care of their patients are embracing our room disinfection system because it works," says Mark Stibich, PhD, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Xenex.

Source: Xenex Disinfection Services