Hospitals

UV222 lights can be used in many areas of a hospital and deliver exceptional healthcare benefits. These lights are particularly good for reducing the incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

Introduction

The utilization of UV-C lights in hospitals traces back to the early to mid-20th century, marked by pioneering research into ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). In the 1930s and 1940s, scientists began exploring the germicidal effects of UV-C light on various pathogens, laying the foundation for its application in healthcare settings. UV-C light was recognized for its ability to effectively deactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms by disrupting their DNA or RNA. By the 1950s, UV-C lights were increasingly integrated into hospital settings for air and surface disinfection, particularly in operating rooms and sterile environments where maintaining asepsis was paramount. However, concerns regarding the potential harm of UV-C exposure to human tissues limited its widespread adoption and necessitated stringent safety protocols.

The legacy form of UV-C lighting uses UV light having a wavelength of 254nm. While 254nm UV-C is highly effective at inactivating viruses and bacteria, this wavelength is known to cause damage to skin and eyes. Therefore, the use of 254nm UV-C is limited to applications where people cannot come into direct contact with the light.

254nm upper-room air sterilisation

The most successful application of 254nm UV-C is upper-room air sterilization. In this application, UV-C lamps are positioned to expose only the air zone 2.2 meters above floor level and configured and controlled to ensure that none of the 254nm light can fall onto people.

Upper-room UV air sterilization has proven to be very effective in controlling the spread of Tuberculosis in TB wards. However, since the light only covers about 5% of a room's volume, infection transmission is only reduced by 15-20%. Therefore, additional spread mitigation measures are required to supplement upper-room UV lights. These additional measures include stringent infection control procedures and enhanced ventilation and filtration systems.

254nm mobile surface and air sterilisation

Mobile 254nm UV-C devices are also used in hospitals. These devices, as pictured below, cannot be used where or when people are present. Therefore, they are only deployed to complement ward terminal cleaning.

Fixed position 254nm UV-C lights used to compliment ward terminal cleaning. Reduces HIA’s by up to 30%		Robotic 254nm UV-C lights used to compliment ward terminal cleaning. Reduces HIA’s by up to 50%

The emergance of 222nm UV-C

In recent years, the evolution of UV-C technology has led to the emergence of Far-UVC lights, representing a significant advancement in hospital infection control. The development of Far-UVC light, with its shorter wavelength ranging from 207 to 222 nanometers, addresses the safety concerns associated with conventional UV-C light. This breakthrough allows for the deployment of UV-C technology in occupied spaces such as hospitals without posing risks to patients, staff, or visitors. The introduction of Far-UVC lights has reinvigorated interest in UVGI within healthcare settings, offering a safe and effective solution to combat healthcare-associated infections while minimizing the environmental impact of traditional disinfection methods.

In the ongoing battle against infectious diseases within healthcare settings, innovative technologies continue to emerge. One such advancement, Far-UVC (far ultraviolet C) lighting, presents a promising solution for combating pathogens in hospitals. Far-UVC lights offer a unique approach to disinfection, providing an effective and safe method to reduce the spread of harmful microbes. In this article, we will explore the utilization of Far-UVC lights in hospitals and their significant impact on infection control.

Understanding Far-UVC Light

Far-UVC light falls within the ultraviolet spectrum, specifically ranging from 207 to 222 nanometers (nm). Unlike conventional UV-C light, which is known for its germicidal properties but poses risks to human health, Far-UVC light exhibits germicidal efficacy while being safe for human exposure. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for use in occupied spaces such as hospitals. 1

How Far-UVC Lights Work

Far-UVC light operates by penetrating the outer structure of microbial cells, including bacteria and viruses, and damaging their DNA/RNA. This process effectively neutralizes the pathogens, rendering them unable to replicate or cause infection. Moreover, Far-UVC light has minimal penetration depth in human skin and eyes, mitigating the risk of harm to patients, staff, and visitors.

Applications in Hospital Settings

Continuous Air Disinfection

Far-UVC lights can be positioned anywhere and in such a way that as much of the occupied spaces are is covered. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The more exensive the coverage, the greater the assurance that airborne pathogens are effectively neutralized, thus reducing the risk of airborne infection transmissions.

Since Far-UVC lights can be used in the presence of people, the lights get to inactivate viruses and bacteria from the moment people expel them. This level of immediacy ensures viral and bacterial loads are constantly kept at such low levels, that infection transmission is nearly completely inhibited. Studies consistantly demonstrate that Far-UVC lights reduce active virus loads by more than 90% and can do so in a matter of minutes. 2

Surface Disinfection

Hospitals are home to various high-touch surfaces that serve as reservoirs for pathogens. Far-UVC light fixtures can be strategically placed in patient rooms, waiting areas, and corridors to continuously disinfect surfaces. This proactive approach complements traditional cleaning protocols, providing an additional layer of protection against healthcare-associated infections.

Operating Rooms and Isolation Units

In critical areas such as operating rooms and isolation units, maintaining a sterile environment is paramount. Far-UVC lights can be deployed in these spaces to ensure thorough disinfection between procedures or patient admissions. Their rapid action and ability to reach challenging-to-clean areas make them indispensable tools for infection control. In-hospital studies reveals that Far-UVC lights reduces the incidence of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) by at least 65%.

Portable Devices

Portable Far-UVC light devices offer flexibility in targeting specific areas or equipment within hospitals. These handheld or wheeled units can be easily maneuvered by staff to disinfect patient beds, medical equipment, and other high-touch surfaces in real-time, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Benefits of Far-UVC Lights in Hospitals

Enhanced Infection Control

Far-UVC lights provide a proactive approach to infection prevention by continuously targeting pathogens in the environment. This reduces the likelihood of nosocomial infections and supports efforts to maintain a safe healthcare environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

Complimentary Layer

Hospitals are adding Far-UVC lights to bolster their existing infection control procedure and achieving Continuous Active Air and Surface Disinfection. This permanent, always ON, layer infection mitigation is automatic, autonomous and does not require additional labour resources.

Chemical Free

Far-UVC lights does not require materials input and typically enables a reduction in the use of sanitation products and chemical disinfectants.

Safety and Accessibility

Unlike conventional UV-C light, Far-UVC light is safe for human exposure, allowing its use in occupied spaces without posing health risks. This accessibility enables hospitals to implement Far-UVC technology across various departments and areas where infection control is critical. 3

Cost-Effectiveness

While initial investment may be required for the installation of Far-UVC lighting systems, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Reduced rates of healthcare-associated infections translate to lower healthcare expenditures, decreased patient morbidity, and improved overall outcomes.

Reduces Absenteeism

A recent study conducted at Karolinska Hospital (Sweden) in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology demonstrated a greater than 90% reduction in absenteeism in areas utilising Far-UVC germicidal lighting, with rates falling to just 0.4%.

This translated not only into fewer sick-days due to common illness causing viruses and bacteria, but also improved workforce stability, reduced staff stress, and stronger team performance—critical factors in maintaining consistent care delivery.

By lowering the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and reducing environmental microbial load, Far UVC technology delivers measurable operational and clinical benefits. These include improved patient outcomes, reduced reliance on surge staffing, and lower total operating costs beyond labour alone. International healthcare providers are already seeing results.  For example, the 105th Military Hospital in Żary (Poland) has integrated Far UVC as a Continuous Active Air and Surface Disinfection System as a key element of their infection prevention and control strategy, while ASUSH Hospital in Cairo reports the elimination of detectable bacterial and fungal colonies in ICU environments following implementation.

Advancing Wound Healing

Pressure injuries remain a persistent challenge in modern healthcare, as they arise when patients are bedridden for longer time periods. These wounds are not only difficult to heal but are also highly prone to infections, often involving resistant bacteria and biofilm formation. Far-UVC offer a new way to address this challenge.

A recent clinical study from Taipei Medical University evaluated the use of Far-UVC in intensive care unit (ICU) for patients with pressure injuries. The study demonstrated that treatment with Far-UVC significantly reduced microbial burden in the wounds and improved healing outcomes compared to standard care alone, indicating a potential role for Far-UVC as an intervention in improving the health for patients with pressure injuries. More...

Environment Friendly

Far-UVC lights offer an environment friendly alternative to chemical disinfectants, which may have adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. By harnessing the power of light to neutralize pathogens, hospitals can contribute to sustainability efforts while ensuring a safe healthcare environment.

In conclusion

Far-UVC lights represent a groundbreaking advancement in infection control within hospital settings. By harnessing the germicidal properties of Far-UVC light while ensuring safety for human exposure, hospitals can effectively combat the spread of infectious diseases. As healthcare facilities continue to prioritize patient safety and quality of care, integrating Far-UVC lighting solutions offers a proactive and sustainable approach to maintaining a hygienic environment conducive to healing and recovery.

As hospitals face the increasing cost burden of Hospitals Acquired Infections alongside the rising prevailance of drug and bleach resistant "superbugs", it's never been more essential to implement Far-UVC germicidal lights.

There are approximately 165,000 HAIs occurring each year in Australia 4 and estimated 16,500 cases of SSI occurred in Australian public hospitals 5. This stacks up to over $1b of extra cost each year. By using 222nm UVC lights it's possible to reduce this cost by at least 75%.