Environmentally-implicated HAIs are not rare. A study published by the CDC estimated that 3-5% of all hospitalized patients (1 in every 31 patients!) in the U.S. acquire an HAI during their stay, and of those, a significant portion can be traced to environmental contamination. When a room is inadequately disinfected, pathogens can remain viable on surfaces for hours to weeks, posing a latent risk to the next occupant.

In UV disinfection, the surface texture is a crucial factor that determines how effective the process will be. The latest Perfromance Standard for Healthcare UV Germicidal Light Whole-Room Surface Disinfection requires that devices be tested against germs on a variety of surfaces like polycarbonate, stainless steel, floor vinyl, furniture vinyl, and Formica. These materials are specifically chosen because they are a high-fidelity representation of the real-world surfaces found in hospitals, and the real-world challenge lies in their texture.

In the world of healthcare, innovation should thrive to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Unfortunately, some powerful manufacturers seem more interested in protecting their market share than fostering progress. The stifling of competition hurts patients and hospitals alike.

Many buildings and facilities use chemicals to disinfect their environments in an effort to protect personnel. UV devices are gaining in popularity as UV is environmentally friendly and, when properly deployed, can be more effective than chemicals and safe for personnel and the environment.

In the world of healthcare innovation, Dr. Kreitenberg’s journey stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary learning and adaptation. It all began with a chance encounter in hospital corridors, where the potential of germicidal UV light first captured Dr. K’s imagination. This initial spark ignited a trailblazing path that would reshape the landscape of sanitation technology.

Within the domain of optimal environmental hygiene, a critical inquiry arises: Can ostensibly protective tools inadvertently contribute to cross-contamination between rooms? Let’s dig into these UV devices and the challenges they bring.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, there’s a buzz about standardized performance testing of UV surface disinfection devices. But why are infection preventionists, healthcare professionals, and standards-writing institutions calling for it? Here’s the scoop that patients need to know.

In the world of healthcare, change is on the horizon. Long-standing disinfection routines might not measure up to the upcoming American National Standards. Before you rush into any purchase deicisions, here’s a heads up: the game is about to change, and you might want to wait for the new standards and manufacturers’ results set to be announced starying Q1 2024.