What is UVC Light Disinfection?
According to the FDA, UVC radiation is a known disinfectant for air and nonporous surfaces. UVC radiation has effectively been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria and harmful pathogens. UVC dosing works to reach targeted areas within a treated room, including those in shadowed or hard-to-reach places. By reaching areas that manual cleaning and other technology cannot, UVC helps to ensure disinfection is as complete as possible.
A UV disinfection system administers the specific dose of ultraviolet light needed to reduce harmful pathogens in an operating room, emergency room, patient room, or other areas of possible contamination. When bundled with manual cleaning and disinfection protocols, the technology helps to significantly reduces the presence of harmful pathogens.
History of UVC Light
In the fight against healthcare associated infections (HAIs), Infection Prevention (IP) leaders at hospitals across the country have been stepping up their game. In recent years, these proactive professionals have diligently increased use of numerous useful tools — information, education, improved manual cleaning practices, advanced sanitation technology and more. And in the future, IP will become an even more pressing issue as value-based care metrics are implemented and patients demand better efficacy from their time at a hospital.
Evidence shows that all the hard work of these Infection Prevention professionals is paying off. The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) HAI data tells a positive tale with HAI statistics:
The most recent National and State Healthcare Associated Infections Progress Report indicates in 2018, acute-care hospitals across the country saw a significant decrease (up to 12%) in a number of problematic pathogens (such as CAUTI, CLABSI, and hospital-onset C. diff), compared to 2017 infection rates.
An examination of 2018 infection rates in various states indicates that, compared to 2015 data, 49 out of 50 states improved their performance on two or more tracked infection types, and 33 states boosted their performance on at least four infection types.
No state saw an increase in more than one type.
Unfortunately, while there are many bright spots in the CDC’s HAI reports, the data also clearly shows there is still work to be done. Every day, one out of every 31 patients in US hospitals is struck by one or more HAIs acquired during their hospital stay. Hundreds of thousands of these patients die each year. The decline in many types of infections definitely provides promising news, but IP professionals are fully aware that they cannot ease up on their efforts until zero patients are infected.
Because improvements shown in HAI data gathered by the CDC and other agencies proves increased efforts to better train and equip hospitals to fight infections is working, that work should continue. By striving to improve their efforts to educate healthcare personnel, and harness better and more efficient tools, Infection Prevention leaders across the country can continue bringing the rate of all HAIs closer to zero.
How UVC Light Works
The UV Disinfection system administers the specific dose of ultraviolet light needed to reduce harmful pathogens in targeted areas of an operating room, emergency room, patient room, or other areas of the hospital. When bundled with manual cleaning and disinfection protocols, the technology can help to significantly reduce the presence of harmful pathogens.
UV Light Usage
UVC light dosing works to reach targeted areas within a treated room, including those in shadowed or hard-to-reach places. By treating areas that manual cleaning and other technology cannot, the RD UVC System helps to disinfect in a manner that is as complete as possible. Wireless, remote sensors help provide confirmation that the precise amount of UVC light needed to help reduce bacteria, viruses, spores, and other harmful pathogens is administered for optimal effectiveness. Treatment data can be tracked on a tablet or other device to determine which rooms have been treated – by whom and how often – to assure proper treatment.
UVC Disinfection Efficiency
The best UVC equipment is engineered to operate as efficiently as possible to help reduce treatment time and return treatment areas to service quickly. A “pause and reposition” feature helps operators streamline use of the technology. The technology helps staff quickly disinfect crucial, targeted areas and return rooms to service; the accelerated turnaround time makes it possible to treat more patients in any given day.
Reporting and Measurement
Tracking treatment data, monitoring effectiveness, and sharing with necessary stakeholders is an important function of UVC light technology. The RD UVC System enables managers to check real-time status on tablets to ensure the equipment is being used properly and effectively. The system also captures and stores records via an on-board computer, automatically sending it to a secure cloud system for later analysis and reporting.
Further Reading
Cost Effective Infection Prevention – UVC Disinfection
HAIs cost US hospitals up to $45 billion each year—a huge expenditure that could be avoided if infection is prevented. A study in the American Journal of Infection Control indicates that an effective IP strategy saves a hospital more than it costs.
Preparing Your Team for a New UVC Disinfection System
One of a healthcare facility’s most useful weapons against harmful pathogens is its Infection Prevention team leaders. While every healthcare team member is responsible for patient safety, effective IP leaders help increase awareness and set the tone for a culture of Infection Prevention.
The Best Industries to Utilize UVC Light Disinfection
UVC disinfection is a powerful tool for any industry that needs to keep people safe. Whether it’s a hospital, long-term care facility, dentist office, operating/procedure rooms, or military healthcare site, deploying UVC technology can make a difference in reducing harmful pathogens.
The Future of Infection Prevention Technology – UVC light disinfection
To increase their chances of winning the Infection Prevention battle, healthcare professionals must stay on top of the leading technology and techniques available to combat dangerous pathogens and infections.
RD UVC and RD-Fx™ are the Only UVC Systems that Measure, Record, and Report the UVC Lethal Dosage to Ensure Reduction of Harmful Pathogens.
The Steriliz team can help determine the right IP solution for you and work with you through every step of the process. Get a quote today.
