The Effectiveness of Routine Environmental Management and Additional Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection Environmental Management in Hospital Operating Rooms

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the effects of routine and additional environmental management with pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PXUV) disinfection in hospital operating rooms (ORs). Methods: The study was conducted in 10 ORs of a hospital specializing in joint surgery with 174 hospital beds. We selected four surfaces with high frequency and one surface with low frequency of contact with the hands of operating room medical staff. After regular environmental management and additional PXUV disinfection from March to April 2020, a total of 250 specimens were collected by performing 50 culture tests on each selected surface. Results: We found 4.8% (6/125) positive cultures after routine environmental management, but only 0.8% (1/125) after PXUV disinfection. Conclusion: Although we could not conclusively evaluate the difference between routine and additional environmental management, PXUV disinfection showed a tendency to reduce environmental contamination.

Whole‐Room Disinfection Using Germicidal Light

“…Lisa Croke, Managing Editor concluded that a PXUV device should not replace standard cleaning, but it can be used to improve environmental disinfection. 8 In another study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of a UVC disinfection system for terminal cleaning in the OR before and after standard manual chemical disinfection. The portable system emits UV light horizontally and vertically, has a floor lamp to expose the floor and the system's wheels, and is navigated by an operator protected by a UVC blocking shield.…”

“…Overall, 4.8% of cultures were positive after standard cleaning and 0.8% were positive after standard cleaning combined with use of the PXUV device. The authors concluded that a PXUV device should not replace standard cleaning, but it can be used to improve environmental disinfection 8 …”