ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of multiple ultraviolet (UV) light decontamination devices in a radiology procedure room.DesignLaboratory evaluation.MethodsWe compared the efficacy of 8 UV decontamination devices with a 4-minute UV exposure time in reducing recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile spores on steel disk carriers placed at 5 sites on a computed tomography patient table. Analysis of variance was used to compare reductions for the different devices. A spectrometer was used to obtain irradiance measurements for the devices.ResultsFour standard vertical tower low-pressure mercury devices achieved 2 log10CFU or greater reductions in VRE and MRSA and ~1 log10CFU reductions in C. difficile spores, whereas a pulsed-xenon device resulted in less reduction in the pathogens (P<.001). In comparison to the vertical tower low-pressure mercury devices, equal or greater reductions in the pathogens were achieved by 3 nonstandard low-pressure mercury devices that included either adjustable bulbs that could be oriented directly over the exam table, a robotic base allowing movement along the side of the table during operation, or 3 vertical towers operated simultaneously. The low-pressure mercury devices produced primarily UV-C light, whereas the pulsed-xenon device produced primarily UV-A and UV-B light. The time required to move the devices from the corner of the room and set up for operation varied from 18 to 59 seconds.ConclusionsMany currently available UV devices could provide an effective and efficient adjunct to manual cleaning and disinfection in radiology procedure rooms.
In hospital sinks, a novel plastic drain cover was effective in preventing dispersal of gram-negative bacilli and fluorescent gel associated with splattering of flowing water. Our findings suggest that the sink drain covers could provide a simple means to reduce dissemination of pathogens from contaminated sinks.
In 4 hospitals, we demonstrated frequent dispersal of fluorescent tracer and fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli from sink drains to sink bowls and to surfaces outside the bowl. Fluorescent tracer dispersal correlated inversely with the depth of the sink bowl. Modifications in sink design could substantially reduce the risk for pathogen dissemination.
Sinks in healthcare facilities are a potential reservoir for the dissemination of gram-negative bacilli and Candida spp. 1-4 Addressing sink contamination is challenging because sink drainage systems provide a favorable environment for pathogen colonization and biofilm formation, but they are not amenable to cleaning and disinfection. Disinfection of sinks with agents such as bleach, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide have been effective in some studies. 1,2 However, such approaches may be difficult to implement long-term due to the time and effort required and the caustic nature of agents such as bleach. Ozonated water has been reported to be effective in killing many pathogens. 5,6 However, information on the efficacy of ozonated water for sink disinfection is limited. Here, we examined the efficacy of a sink providing automated disinfection with ozonated water against established sink drainage system colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida auris. The SmartFLO3 sink (Franke Kindred, Canada) includes features designed to limit dispersal (eg, a 23-cm-deep bowl) and an enclosed electrode that causes ozonation (0.1-0.35 ppm) and formation of reactive oxygen species in dispensed water. The sink also provides an automated, programmable flush with increased concentration of ozonated water (0.9-2.5 ppm), typically every 4 hours. The sink used in these experiments had access ports in the P-trap and in the drainage pipe distal to the P-trap. According to the manufacturer, the concentrations of ozone produced by the sink are safe for human drinking or bathing and are noncaustic to drain pipes. We tested the efficacy of ozonated water (0.9-0.12 ppm ozone) produced by the sink against a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a sink at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and 3 strains of Candida auris (MRL#31102, MRL#31103, and AR-BANK#0381). 7 For P. aeruginosa, we used the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard quantitative carrier
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