UV-C disinfection: ensuring safety and sustainability

In the current healthcare landscape, managing infection risk is a top priority, particularly in areas involving diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound probes, which are used for multiple patients. The emergence and desire for advanced disinfection methods, especially those based on UV-C light, represents a significant shift in infection control practices. These new methods can offer a more cost effective, efficient, and sustainable approach compared to traditional methods such as wipes and chemicals.

Healthcare facilities must meet numerous safety and quality standards, such as EN-15883-4 and EN-14885:2018, which relate to cleaning and disinfecting healthcare equipment. Resource limitations, with limited staff, equipment and budgets, place constraints on compliance. But, without these standards, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) or nosocomial diseases, such as STDs, could spread between patients. Non-compliance with these standards could cause legal repercussions, health risks for both patients and staff, and damage to the public image of a facility — leading to a lack of trust and declining patient numbers.

In addition to the need for compliance, healthcare facilities have sustainability concerns, beginning with the tons of waste generated, including toxic wastes. These, along with a high chemical footprint, high water use, and high energy consumption, ultimately result in negative impacts on emissions and ecosystems. In addition, complying with health & safety regulations may actually increase the use of water, energy and chemicals.