settings . ECRI member interest more than doubled in 2020 . Organizations may buy and implement these systems without full knowledge of the requirements for safe and effective system use . Misuse of devices can result in human chemical exposure and potential damage to sensitive devices , equipment , and items . It is important to select the type of system that meets your needs , develop an implementation plan , and identify high-risk areas for use to strategize to reduce bioburden and healthcare related infections in your facility .
UV-C Summary Comparison
Device use :
● Optimize direct line-ofsight exposure
● Multiple positions or multiple towers may be needed per room size and configuration
Single patient room turnaround time delay = less than 1 hour
Disinfection of non-porous surfaces only
HPV Summary Comparison
Device use :
● Prep of enclosed rooms – sealing HVAC vents , smoke detectors , and doors
● HPV reaches all surfaces in the enclosed room
Single patient room turnaround time delay = several hours
Disinfection of porous and non-porous surfaces
2-4 log reduction of microbes > 6 log reduction of microbes possible
UV disinfection systems are not classified as medical devices and therefore are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ). Furthermore , there are no standardized test methods for
comparing systems , so your team may need help . Facilities should regard manufacturer claims critically ; be sure to read the fine print , and look for citations that provide study details . ECRI is available to assist facilities through the process of device selection , implementation and assessing the effectiveness of a device in your space . Visit
www . ecri . org and follow @ ECRI _ Org on Twitter .
Margaret M . Miller , BS , MT ( ASCP ) M , CIC , FAPIC , is an infection preventionist with ECRI .
References :
Announcing the Long-Term Care Continuing Education Webinar Series
The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration for Long-Term Care ( NADONA ) and Healthcare Hygiene magazine are partnering to develop a continuing education , three-webinar series addressing imperatives in infection prevention in post-acute care .
The webinars will examine key clinical , administrative and regulatory issues pertinent to nursing leadership in long-term care facilities . Scheduled presenters are veterans in this arena and include officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS ).
To Pre-Register , Click on the Icons
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THIS SERIES WHICH KICKS OFF IN SEPTEMBER AND RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER .
This webinar series will offer 3 contact hours of nursing continuing education . Terri Goodman & Associates , provider number CEP 16550 , is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing .
Corporate underwriting is available ; contact Kelly Pyrek at kelly @ healthcarehygienemagazine . com