Ultraviolet-C decontamination of a hospital room: Amount of UV light needed.

Abstract

Our primary aim was to investigate, using a commercial radiometer, the ultraviolet C (UVC) dose received in different areas in a burn ICU ward room after an automated UVC decontamination. The secondary aim was to validate a disposable UVC-dose indicator with the radiometer readings. Disposable indicators and an electronic radiometer were positioned in ten different positions in a burn ICU room. The room was decontaminated using the Tru-D™-UVC device. Colour changes of the disposable indicators and radiometer readings were noted and compared. Experiment was repeated 10 times. The UVC radiation received in different areas varied between 15.9mJ/cm² and 1068mJ/cm² (median 266mJ/cm²). Surfaces, at shorter distances and in the direct line of sight of the UVC device showed statistically significant higher UVC doses than surfaces in the shadow of equipment (p=0.019). The UVC-dose indicator's colour change corresponded with the commercially radiometer readings. The amount of UVC radiation that is received in surfaces depends on their locations in the room (ie distance from the UVC emitter) and whether any objects shadow the light. In this study we suggest that quality controls should be used to assure that enough UVC radiation reaches all surfaces.