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Measure to describe the reduction of microorganisms...
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Comparative Study:
Manual disinfection vs. UV-C radiation for surface decontamination in healthcare settings
In healthcare environments, the effective removal of microbial contamination from frequently touched surfaces is of paramount importance to ensure patient safety and prevent the spread of infections. Achieving this goal depends on a combination of mechanical cleaning, suitable disinfectants, and adherence to established protocols [1,2]. However, conditions in a clinical setting are often more complex than in a controlled laboratory environment, leading to potential discrepancies between test results and real-world efficacy [3,4].
Ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation has gained attention as a potential tool for surface disinfection due to its demonstrated efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms in controlled laboratory studies [5,6]. These studies, however, have revealed variations in UV-C dosages required for specific reductions in microbial load [7]. Furthermore, the conditions of laboratory tests may not adequately mimic the diverse and dynamic settings of healthcare facilities, where various surface materials, organic soils, and different types of pathogens are encountered [8].
The current study by Knobling et al.addresses this gap by developing a field test to evaluate the effectiveness of automated UV-C disinfection compared to manual disinfection using alcohol-based ready-to-use disinfection wipes (Bacillol® AF Tissues). The aim was to evaluate the performance of these two methods under real clinical conditions [9].
In the study, samples were collected from naturally contaminated surfaces in a medical examination room both before and after disinfection. Log reduction values (LRVs), a measure to describe the reduction of microorganisms, and disinfection success were then evaluated for both UV-C radiation and manual disinfection using pre-soaked alcohol wipes. The study identified surfaces that were regularly and uniformly contaminated with bacteria, making them particularly suitable for field testing. Mean contamination levels were significantly reduced, from 23.3 to 1.98 colony forming units per square centimeter (cfu/cm²) with UV-C disinfection, and from 29.7 to 0.26 cfu/cm² with manual disinfection. In terms of disinfection success, manual disinfection showed a higher rate of 98.1% compared to 75.5% for UV-C [9].
The findings of this study indicate that fully compliant manual disinfection results in higher log reduction values and disinfection success rates compared to automated UV-C disinfection. However, UV-C disinfection, when used alongside manual cleaning, has the potential to improve overall disinfection performance in healthcare settings. This suggests that a combined approach, leveraging both UV-C radiation and manual disinfection, may offer a comprehensive solution for achieving optimal surface decontamination in clinical environments – particularly in high-risk areas or when dealing with patients carrying highly tenacious pathogens [9].
