Closed UV based systems are reliable
Nowadays, closed UV based disinfection boxes are manufactured for disinfection of products and small medical instruments. The UV technology source in the box can only be switched on when the valve is fully closed, so these types of devices are reliable to use. In some boxes, a sensor ensures that the light is switched off when the box is opened.
Of course, it's vital that UV based disinfection boxes be used correctly. The international trade organisation has recently issued an advisory report on this topic.³ In addition to checking the technical aspects of disinfection, success always depends on the proper application. In order to maintain an effective and valid process, it's important to train healthcare personnel and to monitor their results.³ An eye should also kept on whether the UV based light is damaging to the materials that are disinfected materials in any way.
Reliable method for materials
We know that UV based light is reliable for materials because research has been conducted on air treatment systems, finding that plastic filters and pipes are not affected by UV light, even after ten years' exposure.⁵ Furthermore, there have been no reports of damage to medical instruments, such as endoscopes.⁶ Rigorous testing has shown that 100 double cycles of UV based disinfection do not affect the integrity of medical ABS or polycarbonate plastic materials, which are commonly used in medical devices. The only change that was observed was a slight yellowing – an effect often seen when plastics are exposed to sunlight.⁷
Even damage to sensitive electronics is not expected, which is why NASA uses UV based technology in its clean rooms and why it's included in the strict disinfection protocols for interplanetary space travel.⁸ This disinfection method can be easily implemented in the healthcare process as well.
Devices that switch off automatically when motion is detected
Dated publications on UV technology reliable measures usually refer to the use of ‘open’ UV based methods, which can be installed in a fixed place or be moved across in a room.⁹ UV based technology devices can be implemented reliable when used according to protocol. There are several types of disinfection devices that can disinfect a room. However, these devices must only be used in rooms that are not being used, or alternatively, a motion sensor must be used.
- KWF. (N.B.). UV en zonkracht. Retrieved from https://www.kwf.nl/kanker-voorkomen/zon-uv-straling-en-huidkanker/uv-en-zonkracht
- Ledsmagazine. (z.d.). Iuva releases a fact sheet on covid19 and uvcband disinfection Consulted from: https://www.ledsmagazine.com/company-newsfeed/article/14172974/iuva-releases-a-fact-sheet-on-covid19-and-uvcband-disinfection
- CDC. (2016). Performance Indicators. Consulted from: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/performance-indicators.html
- Lindsley, W. G., Martin, S. B., Thewlis, R. E., Sarkisian, K., Nwoko, J. O., Mead, K. R.,& Noti, J. D. (2015). Effects of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) on N95 Respirator Filtration Performance and Structural Integrity. Consulted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4699414/
- Honeywell. (2000) Tech Lit documents. Consulted from:https://customer.honeywell.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/50-0000s/50-8788.pdf
- CDC. (2019, May 24). Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines. Consulted from: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/
- Bruurmij, R. (2020, November 18). Medcaptain evaluation report. Data on file, UV Smart.
- Cobb, T. C. (z.d.). UV Decontamination: NASA, Prions, and Future Perspectives - Travis C. Cobb, 2016. Consulted from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1535676016646217
- APHC,US Army Public Health Center (2020, mei) Effectiveness and safety of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lamps used for air and surface disinfection. Consulted from: https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TIP_No_24-001-1114_Effectiveness_and_Safety_of_UVGI_Lamps.pdf
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