The effectiveness of UV-C radiation for facility-wide environmental disinfection to reduce health care–acquired infections

• Published in: American journal of infection control Vol. 43; no. 12; pp. 1342 - 1346
• Main Authors: Napolitano, Nathanael A., MPH, Mahapatra, Tanmay, MBBS, Tang, Weiming, MD, PhD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2015; Mosby-Year Book, Inc
• Subjects: California; Cross Infection - epidemiology; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Disinfection - methods; Environmental Microbiology; Health care–acquired infection; Hospitals; Housekeeping, Hospital - methods; Humans; Incidence; Incidence proportion; Incidence rate; Infection Control; Infectious Disease; Intervention; Medical treatment; Morbidity; Nosocomial infections; Pilot Projects; Reduction; Ultraviolet radiation; Ultraviolet Rays; UV-C radiation; Reduction; Incidence rate; Health care–acquired infection; Incidence proportion; UV-C radiation
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.07.006

Background Health care–acquired infections (HAIs) constitute an increasing threat for patients worldwide. Potential contributors of HAIs include environmental surfaces in health care settings, where ultraviolet-C radiation (UV-C) is commonly used for disinfection. This UV-C intervention-based pilot study was conducted in a hospital setting to identify any change in the incidence of HAIs before and after UV-C intervention, and to determine the effectiveness of UV-C in reducing pathogens. Methods In a hospital in Culver City, CA, during 2012-2013, bactericidal doses of UV-C radiation (254 nm) were delivered through a UV-C–based mobile environmental decontamination unit. The UV-C dosing technology and expertise of the specifically trained personnel were provided together as a dedicated service model by a contracted company. The incidence of HAIs before and after the intervention period were determined and compared. Results The dedicated service model dramatically reduced HAIs (incidence difference, 1.3/1000 patient-days, a 34.2% reduction). Reductions in the total number and incidence proportions (28.8%) of HAIs were observed after increasing and maintaining the coverage of UV-C treatments. Conclusion The dedicated service model was found to be effective in decreasing the incidence of HAIs, which could reduce disease morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. This model provides a continuously monitored and frequently UV-C–treated patient environment. This approach to UV-C disinfection was associated with a decreased incidence of HAIs.