UV Light Study Shows Drastic Bacteria Reduction

A study of ultraviolet (UV) light technology and its impact on pathogen elimination in operating rooms showed a 97.7 percent success rate.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Infection Control, examined a UV-light system that reaches surfaces within seconds and has the ability to target multiple surfaces at once. The technology, according to a press release from New York health care provider Northwell Health, can help to eliminate bacteria in hospitals that have a tendency to be left behind by human and product error.

“Ultraviolet light technology will not replace manual cleaning and disinfection with chemicals,” said Donna Armellino, RN, DNP, vice president of infection prevention at Northwell Health and lead author of the study, “but it is has a place in health care settings. This technology can optimize environmental cleanliness, resulting in decreased pathogens that could potentially cause infection.”