Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become clear that hospitals are disproportionately exposed to viral pathogens. During the early days of the pandemic, many doctors, nurses, and hospital staff were infected by COVID-19 due to the high exposure risk. Although masks have reduced the spread of this virus, there may be other ways medical facilities can protect patients and staff. For example, UV sanitizer boxes can be implemented for hospital hygiene.
Stopping the Spread of Disease on Hospital Shared Devices
In a hospital setting, stopping the spread of disease is a top priority. Physicians, nurses, hospital staff, and patients are all invested in maintaining wellness, which can be hard to do with active pathogens. However, hospitals are turning to new technology to stop the spread of disease on shared devices.
In particular, UV sanitizer boxes are being used by hospitals to kill viral and bacterial pathogens. UV LED decontamination boxes can be purchased by the unit or in larger configurations to match the demand of a hospital. With the ability to clean small items and shared electronic devices in 60 seconds, UV sanitation may be the future of hospital sanitation.
UV LED Light Destroys Pathogens
The scientific validity of the germicidal effect of UV radiation has been well documented for decades. Research shows that exposure to the UV wavelengths found in sunlight can destroy bacteria and viral particles. This is because the radiation in UV light completely breaks down DNA and RNA strands found in bacteria and viruses.
During the pandemic, the public gained knowledge about the genetic components of viral particles. As each new variant of the COVID-19 virus mutates, it becomes obvious that the molecular DNA and RNA structure of viruses is crucial to the replication and continued spread of illness. Because UV radiation can destroy genetic material, it is the ideal sanitizing solution.
Common Pathogens Destroyed by UV Radiation
Research shows that exposing surfaces infected by the SARS COVID-19 virus to UVC light for at least 15 minutes can destroy the pathogen on most surfaces. Sanitizer boxes made with UV LED technology amplify the power of UV radiation with rotating lenses and reflectors, which enables these boxes to decontaminate surfaces in roughly 60 seconds.
UV light can destroy more pathogens than just COVID-19. For example, pathogens related to the common cold, flu, conjunctivitis, bacterial staph infection, and more can also be destroyed by UV radiation. For hospitals, the ability to destroy viral and bacterial staph pathogens is especially important.
UV LED Light Is 99.999% Effective
UV decontamination boxes are scientifically proven to be 99.999% effective at destroying the genetic material in these pathogens, which immediately stops the spread of potential illness. This high rate of efficacy means the hospitals can be confident in the safety of decontaminated objects.
How UV Sanitizer Boxes Can Be Used in Hospitals
Hospitals have several reasons to use sanitizer boxes. Regardless of the state of the pandemic, sanitizing shared devices and other frequently touched objects is a major pain point for hospital hygiene. In particular, Cleanboxes can be used to decontaminate surfaces on shared electronic devices and face masks.
Cleaning Shared Electronic Devices
Now more than ever, hospitals are using electronic devices every day. From medical staff using tablets to update patient charts to patients using virtual reality headsets for chronic pain management, many shared electronic devices are used in hospitals. Whether hospitals are using these devices for treatment purposes or as part of everyday operations, these devices need to be decontaminated between each use.
Decontaminating Face Masks
During the earliest days of the pandemic, hospital staff had difficulty accessing PPE, particularly masks. Many hospital staff were forced to reuse masks that had only been decontaminated with aerosol sprays, which significantly reduced the protection of the face mask after several uses. However, decontamination boxes that use UV LED technology can effectively decontaminate face masks without compromising the integrity of the PPE.
The power of ultraviolet radiation can destroy any pathogens clinging to a face mask, including cloth face masks and advanced respirators recommended by OSHA and CDC safety standards. This can help hospitals cut costs for replacing face masks and also ensure that medical staff is properly protected.
Why Are Hospitals Using Virtual Reality Headsets?
Although virtual reality headsets are still relatively new, research has shown that using VR headsets in medical settings can be effective for medical staff and patients alike. For example, hospitals may choose to train physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals in virtual reality training segments. Hospitals may also use treatment programs for patients with chronic pain that use virtual reality headsets.
What Studies Say About VR Chronic Pain Relief
Recent studies have shown promising results in reducing chronic pain through virtual reality treatment programs. Essentially, the theory is that virtual reality exposes the mind to a different environment that forces the brain to exist in a reality that is free of pain. This can reduce chronic pain because virtual reality existence prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.
Ultimately, the promise of virtual reality indicates there may be a drug-free supplement to oral pain management techniques. Patients who use virtual reality therapy a few times a week can significantly improve their overall pain.
Why Hospitals Are Shifting to Shared Electronics
Hospitals are shifting to shared electronic devices for several reasons. For example, shared electronic devices for updating patient records and contacting hospital staff are much more efficient than relying on traditional paper methods. Hospitals that use electronic communication and shared devices can respond better to patient needs.
How to Incorporate UV Sanitization into Hospital Hygiene
UV LED decontamination boxes can easily be incorporated into hospital sanitation practices. For the use of shared electronic devices, including VR headsets used by patients, the process to sanitize these devices can happen in a few steps.
First, the electronic device is selected, and then it is placed into a decontamination box. From there, the device is run through a 60-second sanitation cycle or other cleaning cycles for deeper sanitation. Afterward, the user can confidently use the electronic device without fear of contamination from viral or bacterial pathogens.
Why UV Sanitation Is Better than Alcohol-Based Wipes
For years, hospitals have relied on alcohol-based wipes and other industrial strength cleansers to maintain sanitation. Studies show that alcohol can kill most bacteria on contact within 15 seconds or less. This is why alcohol-based hand sanitizer is still a reliable personal hygiene solution to keep hands clean.
While there is certainly still a place for alcohol-based wipes in hospital settings, the fact of the matter is that these swipes are not always appropriate for electronic devices. For example, the soft material used for electronic devices may not be adequately cleaned by alcohol-based wipes, and dampness on the skin may cause irritation that can open the door to infection.
For hospitals, there is a pressing need to adopt better hygiene standards that keep patients and medical staff healthy. UV LED light is scientifically proven to kill bacteria and viruses after adequate exposure to UV radiation. Hospitals can use decontamination boxes for shared electronics and masks, among other frequently touched objects. For more information about using UV LED light for hospital hygiene, contact Cleanbox Technology.
