A novel approach for safe and automated implementation of far ultraviolet-C light decontamination in clinical areas

Abstract

A novel wall-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology providing automated delivery of far UV-C only when people are not present reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a patient room and equipment room. The safety feature that discontinues far UV-C output when people are detected was effective in preventing far UV-C exposure.

Figure 1.

Reductions in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in an unoccupied patient room with a 45-minute far ultraviolet-C exposure time (A) and in a portable equipment room with 45-minute and 4-hour exposure times (B). The workstation was a portable workstation-on-wheels. Error bars show standard error.

Figure 2.

Illustration of a far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) device showing irradiance readings and the area where the device turned off and stayed off upon entry of a person into zone of detection which is the gray shaded area. The irradiance readings with the device on with no one in the zone of detection are shown; far UV-C light was not detected outside the shaded area while the device was on. Readings of 0 indicate no detection of far UV-C above baseline negligible levels measured with the device off. The device resumed far UV-C delivery 30 seconds after a person exited the zone of detection.