Evaluation of an electrostatic spray disinfectant technology for rapid decontamination of portable equipment and large open areas in the era of SARS-CoV-2.

In the setting of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, efficient methods are needed to decontaminate shared portable devices and large open areas such as waiting rooms. We found that wheelchairs, portable equipment, and waiting room chairs were frequently contaminated with potential pathogens. After minimal manual precleaning of areas with visible soiling, application of a dilute sodium hypochlorite disinfectant using an electrostatic sprayer provided rapid and effective decontamination and eliminated the benign virus bacteriophage MS2 from inoculated surfaces.

Efficacy of an ultraviolet-A lighting system for continuous decontamination of health care-associated pathogens on surfaces.

We found that ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light exposure resulted in a modest reduction in recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida auris, bacteriophage MS2, and bacteriophage Phi X174, but not Clostridioides difficile spores, on steel disk carriers. Four hours of UV-A exposure from a ceiling light fixture resulted in a significant reduction in pathogenic microorganisms recovered from in-use medical equipment. These findings suggest that UV-A could be useful as a means to provide continuous low-level decontamination of surfaces in health care facilities.

A comparison of the efficacy of multiple ultraviolet light room decontamination devices in a radiology procedure room.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of multiple ultraviolet (UV) light decontamination devices in a radiology procedure room. DESIGN: Laboratory evaluation. METHODS: We compared the efficacy of 8 UV decontamination devices with a 4-minute UV exposure time in reducing recovery of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Clostridium difficile spores on steel disk carriers placed at 5 sites on a computed tomography patient table. Analysis of variance was used to compare reductions for the different devices. A spectrometer was used to obtain irradiance measurements for the devices. RESULTS: Four standard vertical tower low-pressure mercury devices achieved 2 log10CFU or greater reductions in VRE and MRSA and ~1 log10CFU reductions in C. difficile spores, whereas a pulsed-xenon device resulted in less reduction in the pathogens (P<.001). In comparison to the vertical tower low-pressure mercury devices, equal or greater reductions in the pathogens were achieved by 3 nonstandard low-pressure mercury devices that included either adjustable bulbs that could be oriented directly over the exam table, a robotic base allowing movement along the side of the table during operation, or 3 vertical towers operated simultaneously. The low-pressure mercury devices produced primarily UV-C light, whereas the pulsed-xenon device produced primarily UV-A and UV-B light. The time required to move the devices from the corner of the room and set up for operation varied from 18 to 59 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Many currently available UV devices could provide an effective and efficient adjunct to manual cleaning and disinfection in radiology procedure rooms.

A multicenter investigation to characterize the risk for pathogen transmission from healthcare facility sinks.

In 4 hospitals, we demonstrated frequent dispersal of fluorescent tracer and fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacilli from sink drains to sink bowls and to surfaces outside the bowl. Fluorescent tracer dispersal correlated inversely with the depth of the sink bowl. Modifications in sink design could substantially reduce the risk for pathogen dissemination.

A novel sink drain cover prevents dispersal of microorganisms from contaminated sink drains.

In hospital sinks, a novel plastic drain cover was effective in preventing dispersal of gram-negative bacilli and fluorescent gel associated with splattering of flowing water. Our findings suggest that the sink drain covers could provide a simple means to reduce dissemination of pathogens from contaminated sinks.