Decreasing Operating Room Contamination of Surfaces and Air with Pulsed Xenon Ultraviolet Disinfection
Summary
Cambridge Health Alliance evaluated the effects of (PX-UVD) by comparing bacterial contamination on surfaces and in the air of operating rooms after standard cleaning and a quick clean, defined as cleaning the bed and visible soiled areas, followed by PX-UVD. Standard Cleaning did not significantly decrease surface contamination or bioburden in the OR. However, a Quick Clean and PX-UVD resulted in a significant reduction (55%) in positive surface cultures and bioburden (81%) compared to SC. PX-UVD also significantly decreased air contamination during cases (46%) and after the terminal clean (100%). “The impact of PX-UVD may even be greater in a busy OR since we observed a significant decrease in bioburden after Quick Cleaning and PX-UVD as compared to Standard Cleaning after the third case.”