Down the road, new technology may allow for disinfection to occur
without having to seal or vacate rooms. A recent study
(osmag.net/9wwzxm) found that a passive light-emitting diode (LED)
disinfection system used in an environment that couldn't be closed off (a
level II trauma room) significantly reduced microbial surface contamina-
tion over time, even when room usage increased. The room was cultured
3 times in 5 different spots — before the system was installed, after 2
weeks, and again after 15 weeks. The impact was minimal after 2 weeks,
but surface contamination was significantly reduced after 15 weeks.
So while implementing an LED system wouldn't be expected to deliv-
er dramatic results immediately, over time, it would likely be effective
at reducing overall microbial contamination. In the meantime, manu-
facturers are doing their best to make whole-room disinfection as
quick and efficient as possible, and appear to be making progress. But
terminal cleaning at the end of the day is likely to be the most practical
application for most outpatient facilities.
Pick your poison
The active agents and delivery mechanisms in whole-room disinfection
systems vary widely. Here's a rundown of the most common approaches.
• UV light. UV-C light, the high-energy portion of the ultraviolet spec-
trum, has been used for decades to disinfect industrial surfaces and sanitize
drinking water. It is especially advantageous for use in hospitals because it
kills the spore-forming bacterium Clostridium difficile, which is a major
source of hospital-acquired infections. UV-C systems deliver specific doses
of continuous ultraviolet light, which causes changes in the DNA and RNA
structure of bacteria and spores, rendering them incapable of replicating.
• Pulsed xenon. Broad-spectrum UV light is emitted in powerful
short pulses, so disinfection is fast. The broad-spectrum UV light is
capable of damaging microorganisms 4 different ways, virtually ensur-
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