Whole-room ultraviolet disinfection systems were first introduced to US hospitals around 2007. Since then, they have enjoyed a surge in use and popularity. Even large companies with chemical disinfection heritage are entering the UV category.

 

UV room disinfection devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each brand requires different room treatment position(s) and contact time. Most UV room disinfection devices utilize mercury vapor bulbs that continually emit UV at wavelength of around 254 nanometers, which is near the optimal germicidal wavelength. One company uses a single Xenon bulb that emits a broader spectrum of UV light in brief but powerful pulses.

 

As one might expect with so many different configurations and features, effectiveness varies by device.

 

Antimicrobial Test Laboratories believes this relatively new, but rapidly maturing category of products will substantially reduce healthcare-acquired infections spread by environmental surfaces, especially infections caused by C. difficile.  Several studies, including two [(1) (2)] co-authored by ATL’s Jason Williams and Dr. Benjamin Tanner, support this notion.

 

If your company has questions about UV light as a means of room disinfection, or a device that could benefit from professional testing in a dedicated device-testing room, give the lab a call and we will be glad to discuss it with you.