What should a UVC Antimicrobial Efficacy Standard Look Like ?

Background Contaminated surfaces in healthcare facilities may contribute to the transmission of pathogens implicated in hospitalacquired infections (HAIs), such as Clostridium difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), gram-negative rods (Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacteriaceae) and norovirus. While patient rooms are regularly cleaned and disinfected using manual techniques, evidence suggests that the adequacy of cleaning is often suboptimal, particularly when the focus is only on those surfaces perceived to be highrisk or frequently contacted (high-touch) (Carling et al. 2008). Inadequate cleaning using manual techniques prompted the development of no-touch systems that can decontaminate objects and surfaces in the patient environment. These technologies employ the use of ultraviolet (UV) light or hydrogen peroxide. Automated UV room disinfection devices have seen increasing use in healthcare facilities with the goal of greater reduction of microorganism contamination.