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error into the process mean that most "terminal cleaning methods [are] ineffective … in eliminating epidemiologically important pathogens."7
I can attest from personal experience that, for the 3 years we've used UV
light for surface disinfection, we've seen what we believe is good evidence for
its effectiveness as an additional tool for preventing HAIs. However, although
it's true that UV light will reliably kill all organisms after the appropriate
dosage is reached, the question of how adequately it disinfects shadowed
areas remains. Because of this, thorough cleaning per your usual protocols
must always be done first. OSM
ON THE WEB
Go to www.outpatientsurgery.net/forms for references.
Ms. Pettis (annmarie_pettis@urmc.rochester.edu) is the director of
infection prevention at the University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center.
