Beyond duodenoscope-transmitted infections: Analysis of surface bioburden and UV-C mitigation within a tertiary care endoscopy unit.
Am J Infect Control
; 52(3): 331-336, 2024 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37776900
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
An inpatient endoscopy unit is a care hub for patients from throughout the hospital and can be the site of health care-associated infections (HAIs). Shared surfaces and other nonmedical devices (keyboards) have been increasingly recognized as sites of pathogen transmission. Beyond standard cleaning of high-touch target areas, we queried whether the addition of automated devices delivering low-intensity doses of ultraviolet (UV)-C radiation could further reduce bioburden in an academic endoscopy unit.METHODS:
Bioburden on previously identified high-touch/communal surfaces was measured before and after the installation of automated, low-intensity UV-light emitting devices (UV Angel) that passively monitor and disinfect targeted surfaces with Ultraviolet-C light (UV-C) light.RESULTS:
High-touch sites (keyboards) had a baseline bacterial contamination of >80%, whereas individual procedure rooms and common areas had a >57% contamination rate. Following the implementation of automated UV-C light decontamination, bioburden was reduced on average by >91% at high-touch surfaces and within procedure rooms. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:
Nonsterile hubs of patient care could serve as sites of "silent" HAI transmission. We have identified high-touch surfaces within an endoscopy unit that have a high bioburden of bacterial contamination and demonstrated that the installation of passive, automated UV-C light disinfection devices can reduce bioburden significantly, possibly mitigating HAI transmission between patients.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Infecção Hospitalar
/
Duodenoscópios
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article