HAI Prevention Technology
ICT takes a look at some of the newer and emerging technologies that are being used in the fight against healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).
XENEX HEALTHCARE
Describe your technology:
The Xenex system was developed to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) by automating the disinfection of the patient environment using pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) light.
Designed for speed and ease of use, the Xenex system can disinfect a typical patient/procedure room in 9 to 12 minutes or a large operating room suite in less than 20 minutes. The result is a 3- to 6-log reduction of viruses, vegetative bacteria and bacterial endospores for both surfaces and air – with no disruption to hospital operations.
The portable Xenex PX-UV device contains a single xenon flashlamp that retracts into a heavy-duty case that is easily wheeled from room to room by one person. The device also contains a UV feedback sensor for dose assurance, a simple four-button control panel, a remote control and a door sensor for additional safety. The technology has been certified “green” by Practice Greenhealth.
How does your technology facilitate the eradication of infection-causing pathogens and explain the science behind it:
Environmental contamination and infection/colonization by prior room occupant(s) has been shown to increase the risk of HAIs, and current cleaning procedures have been shown to be inadequate.
In hospital trials using the Xenex system, the bacterial heterotrophic plate count from samples of high touch surfaces is more than 20 times lower after using the Xenex PX-UV system compared to standard terminal cleaning in VRE isolation rooms (p=0.0149), and the Xenex system eliminated all environmental VRE on tested surfaces.
The Xenex PX-UV system produces broad-spectrum UV irradiation resulting in the disinfection of surfaces and air, including large amounts of energy in the germicidal spectrum (200-320 nm). UV irradiation in the spectrum between 200-320 nm deactivates microorganisms through the creation of thymine and cytosine dimers due to absorption of the UV by cellular DNA, and a photohydration effect that causes the pyrimidines cytosine and uracil to bond with elements of water molecules.
What advice do you have for those evaluating and purchasing room disinfection technology:
Infection preventionists should evaluate room disinfection technology using the following key considerations:
Impact on operations: Will the technology significantly delay patient admissions or other procedures? Is the technology practical enough for continuous use throughout a facility?
Ease of use: How long will training take? What level of professional is needed to operate the new technology? Is routine maintenance needed?
Cost per use: What is the cost per use? Are there consumables such as chemicals that must be ordered and stored?
Cost/benefit: How many infections must be prevented to pay for the technology? How probable is that?
Patient/staff acceptance: How will patients or staff perceive the technology? Could it help drive patients to the facility?
Environmental impact: Are toxic materials used in the manufacturing or use of the technology?