Review of the efficacy of ultraviolet c for surface decontamination

Abstract

Evidence has shown that the state of the patient care environment has a direct impact on heightening the risks of hospital-acquired infections among patients admitted in hospitals. Moreover in view of the suboptimal standard of cleanings by housekeeping staff, there has been the quest for a better approach to reliably disinfect environmental surfaces in health-care facilities. The ultraviolet light has been known for its antimicrobial property and has been used in water treatment, food processing, and in-duct cleaning of ventilations. A recent introduction of its use for surface decontamination has raised interest among health-care facilities. However, studies have shown that, in spite of its relative success in other applications, there is doubt in its efficacy in decontaminating shadowed areas of the room, and therefore, may not be seen as justifying its capital intensiveness.