EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance germicidal lamp

how many of you using germicidal lamps as disinfection?
how many hours used to reduce the number of viruses, bacteria, molds, etc...what is the proper way of using this?

Best Regards,
ariel

i think nobody are using that old type method of controlling airborn bacteria..

Hi Ariel,

Not in the UK, no. We tend not to see cleaning processes in the hospital any more, because the Infection Control regulations are so tightly monitored.
Dirty items are driven away to a remote industrial unit, then processed and returned.

(I don't know if incidences of cross-infection are actually lower because we do this!)

Don't hospitals more local to you have a procedure?

All the best,
Moira

One common use of germicidal lamps is in 'scope storage cupboards.
After cleaning the 'scopes are stored in these with UV lights and filtered air.
'Scopes are only "clean" for 3hours after washing in normal circumstances but this is increased to 72hours with the use of these cupboards.
This is the sort of thing I mean.*
Robert
PS This is not used for initial disinfecting, just for keeping it clean

*other manufacturers are available

Thanks sir Moira and sir Rojo.

I'm not sure if these people can help you - Nanoclave Technologies info@nanoclavetech.com they make an ultravoilet decontamination cabinet.

Lee

hi ariel,

i believe in my own opinion. you need to speak to your infection control committee. they are the ones who should decide what are the means or ways to perform disinfection process inside the hospital. the uv lamps in most of our hospitals are rarely used.
they do
-surface disinfection using liquid solutions
*try to visit healthcare without harm website
-fumigation
-some with HEPA filters on their HVAC system
btw
UV exposure is hazardous to health, thus, user training is essential. can't remember what parameter is measured for the UV lamp to be able to determine replacement times. you need an hour meter to determine hours of usage, you may use this one as replacement reference. some who still use this one leave the lamp on before leaving for work then turns it off in the morning.
rooms smells different afterwards, if im not mistaken o2 in that room is replaced as o3 (aka ozone) can't explain it further.
one lamp is enough according to one study.
hope this helps.

regards,
frank