1 0 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 1 6
An overview of
the decontami-
nation methods
that kill the
microbes that
survive sprays
and wipes:
• Ultraviolet
light. UV-C
energy breach-
es the cell walls
of viruses, bac-
teria and spores
to deactivate their DNA, killing them in the air and on surfaces without
contact or chemicals. Two types of devices use UV-C for germicidal irra-
diation: continuous light systems (1- to 2-hour cycle) and xenon-based
pulsed light systems (5- to 10-minute cycle). Both require direct illumi-
nation to treat targeted surfaces.
• Hydrogen peroxide vapor. A solution of hydrogen peroxide with or
without peracetic acid in purified water, dispersed as an odorless vapor
throughout a room over the course of 2
1
⁄2 to 3 hours, delivers a broad-
spectrum disinfectant evenly over a room's surfaces. The system, which
is safe to use around electronic equipment, consists of vapor generators
and aeration units. A room's doors, ducts and other openings must be
sealed before the system's use.
• Aerosolized hydrogen peroxide. As a dry mist disinfectant uniformly
sprayed within a room, aerosolized hydrogen peroxide is residue-free
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Your Options in Whole-Room Disinfection
Nancy
L.
Havill,
MT(ASCP),
MHA,
CIC
• TAPE JOB Seal doors and ducts before using hydrogen peroxide vapor.
