Hospital surface disinfection using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation technology: A review

Abstract

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technologies have emerged as a promising alternative to biocides as a means of surface disinfection in hospitals and other healthcare settings. This paper reviews the methods used by researchers and clinicians in deploying and evaluating the efficacy of UVGI technology. The type of UVGI technology used, the clinical setting where the device was deployed, and the methods of environmental testing that the researchers followed are investigated. The findings suggest that clinical UVGI deployments have been growing steadily since 2010 and have increased dramatically since the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Hardware platforms and operating procedures vary considerably between studies. Most studies measure efficacy of the technology based on the objective measurement of bacterial bioburden reduction; however, studies conducted over longer durations have examined the impact of UVGI on the reduction of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Future trends include increased automation and the use of UVGI technologies that are safer for use around people. Although existing evidence seems to support the efficacy of UVGI as a tool capable of reducing HCAIs, more research is needed to measure the magnitude of these effects and to establish recommended best practices.

Clostridioides difficile spores tolerate disinfection with sodium hypochlorite disinfectant and remain viable within surgical scrubs and gown fabrics

“…These results suggest that CRA use within clinical settings should be evaluated to ensure that efficaeous disinfection methods are employed to reduce the potential for spore transmission and CDI. Indeed, more NHS trusts are using alternative means of disinfection such as hydrogen peroxide fogging and UV-C treatment to effectively manage CDI [41][42][43]. It is noted, however, that in low-to middle-income countries (LMICs) the use of cheaper and accessible biocides such as CRA are essential in infection control [44].…”

Surface Environment and Energy Density Effects on the Detection and Disinfection of Microorganisms Using a Portable Instrument

“…Various optical techniques aimed at pathogenic bacteria and viruses have also been documented [ 18 , 19 ]. Hospitals are at the frontier of adopting optical disinfection methods, often based on autonomous systems [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. While effective, these robotic devices used in hospitals require considerable capital investments.…”

Photon spectra effects tested on the vegetal model Allium cepa

“…Besides the visible and infrared regions of light spectra, it is important to assess overall impacts of PBM including the ultraviolet (UV) region, due to recent concerns on how the thinning of the ozone layer could affect outdoor crops [23] as well as because of the increased application of UV in decontamination systems for water [24,25] and surfaces [26,27], that also involve agriculture and food industries [28].…”