GOING BETTER THAN GREEN FOR INFECTION CONTROL !!

GOING BETTER THAN GREEN FOR INFECTION CONTROL !!

Numerous studies have shown the distribution and transmission of #healthcare associated infections due to surface contamination. A common reason seems to be inadequate manual cleaning and #disinfection, which fail to remove surface bioburden. The ability of #ultraviolet radiation/#germicidal ultraviolet light to disinfect water, surfaces and air has been known for over a hundred years. In the last few decades, the primary application across the world has been water disinfection, but it has also matured as a means of disinfection in healthcare and other environments.

#Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is an established means of #disinfection and can be used to prevent the spread of certain #infectious diseases. Low-pressure mercury (Hg) discharge lamps are commonly used in UVGI applications and emit shortwave #ultraviolet-C (UV-C, 100–280 nanometer [nm]) radiation, primarily at 254 nm. With modern concerns regarding multi- and extensive drug-resistant TB, bioterrorism, influenza pandemics, and severe acute respiratory syndrome, interest in UVGI continues to grow. The #COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential for UV radiation to manage the transmission of the disease, both using well-developed technologies and emerging technologies.

#Infection Control is the ability to reduce the viral/bacterial load. Lower the load of pathogens, lower the load on the immune system to fight off disease and hence chances of any infections. #Ultraviolet ?Germicidal Light has been used for decades for Disinfection and Sterilization of Surface, Equipment’s, Room Air, Drinking Water, HVAC systems etc. It works based on damaging the RNA /DNA preventing the pathogen from multiplying and hence infectivity.

As health care leaders, we need to continue to investigate ways to protect our patients, staff and community.

Studies show Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in rooms have proven to provide protection or viral loads as effectively as breathing with an #N95 Respirator. Upper air UVGI may be capable of disinfecting equivalent to 10-20 air changes per hour if properly designed, installed and maintained. Eye and skin risks can be avoided by shielding and measuring to ensure no overexposure. Upper air UVGI is a complementary intervention to adequate ventilation.

#Pulsed Xenon GUV :

???????System uses pulsed-xenon instead of mercury bulbs to produce UV light

???????Emits flashes of UV light in the 200-320nm range

???????Manufacturer recommends placing device in 3 locations in a room with 5-7 min cycles

???????Several studies have shown significant reduction of pathogens in patient rooms

In the coming years, Pulsed xenon UVGI would be the leading technology for large scale biosecurity of Infrastructure and public spaces. It would help authorities to control incidents and situations like Bioterrorism and #Pandemics more effectively without relying too much on self-regulatory measures like #social distancing and #hand hygiene.

Stibich et al. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2011;32:286-288

Levin et al. Am J Infect Control 2013;41:746-748

Jinadatha et al. BMC Infect Dis 2014;14:187

Ghantoji SS et al.?J Med Microbiol 2015;64:191

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#Pulsed Xenon GUV #Infection Control #Ultraviolet #N95 Respirator ?#Pandemics #social distancing #hand hygiene #healthcare associated infections #ultraviolet radiation #germicidal ultraviolet light #Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) #disinfection #infectious diseases #ultraviolet-C #COVID-19

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Dr Rahul S Kamble

MBBS, MD Microbiology

Diploma Infectious Diseases (UNSW, Australia)

Infection Control course (Harvard Medical School, USA)

International Clinical Tropical Medicine course

(CMC Vellore|Haukeland university|McGill university)

International Vaccinology course (CMC Vellore)

Six Sigma Black Belt (Govt of India certified)

Auditor: JCI|NABH|NABL|CSSD|RBNQA|Texila university

PGDBA|PGDHM|PGDCR|PGDMR|PGDOM|

PGDMLS|PGDIM|PGDHI|PGDBI|PGDHA|CCDHHO

Consultant Clinical Microbiologist & Infectious Diseases

Project Lead - Antimicrobial Stewardship