(continuous and pulse), as well as hydrogen peroxide fog and ozone.
Ultimately, we found one of the UV technologies to be the best fit for
our needs.
The UV light kills C. diff, MRSA and other dangerous microbes by
altering their DNA and rendering them unable to reproduce. Each unit
delivers high-intensity UV light in short time periods to streamline
room turnover. Each also has a built-in microprocessor designed to
minimize human error and provide room-specific usage data.
During a 3-month trial of the technology on our 51-room med-surg
floor, we experienced a significant downward trend in HAIs caused by
C. diff. At the end of the trial, we purchased 3 UV robots, 1 for the OR
and 2 for our isolation rooms. Now, as the manual portion of the ter-
minal cleaning-process draws to a close, we roll in the device and
bathe the room in germicidal UV light for 30 minutes. We treat each
OR with UV light during a terminal clean at least once a week. Using
them to clean select rooms throughout the day, and then disinfecting
ORs at night after the day's surgeries are completed, hardly disrupts
our schedule.
Next-gen clean
We've found that whole-room disinfection devices can help in areas
beyond terminal cleaning. One example: collecting gurneys, IV poles
and other pieces of equipment known to be carriers of multidrug-
resistant organisms in a room to bathe them in germicidal UV light.
We're also starting to see signs that ORs are making subtle design
changes to accommodate the technology. As disinfection tools con-
tinue to evolve, we're starting to see ORs with permanently installed
overhead lights that turn on automatically to disinfect the room
when it's not in use (see "Disinfection in an OR Light Fixture").
Also, studies suggest painting rooms with UV-reflective paint
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