Crystalline UV-C Inactivation of Airborne Microorganisms: Clinical and Laboratory Analysis of a Novel Germicidal Air Recirculation Technology

Introduction: Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are the number four cause of death in the United States at an annual cost estimated at $40 billion. With emerging scienti c data regarding the contribution of air contamination to surgical site infections (SSI), there is increased interest in considering innovative adjunctive technologies to support best air quality in operating rooms (ORs). Objective: The study was designed to test the e ectiveness of the novel AEROBIOTIX (ABX) crystalline ultraviolet (C-UVC) germicidal irradiation in-room air disinfection and ltration technology on reducing airborne particle contamination in the OR. Methods: Single-pass laboratory-based tests were performed to evaluate inactivation e ciency of ABX C-UVC reaction chamber on aerosolized bacteria, viruses and spores. Clinical eld tests were carried out to assess the e cacy of C-UVC air recirculation/ ltration device on reduction of airborne colony forming units (CFU) and viable particle counts (VPC) in the OR. Results: In single-pass laboratory-based testing the C-UVC device inactivated 99.97% of bacteria, 99.91% of spores, and 100% of viruses. In the clinical OR setting, the deployment of the ABX C-UVC air recirculation/ ltration unit substantially reduced average airborne bacteria levels and 5μm airborne particles by 82 and 84 % respectively. Over 95% reduction was seen in particles 1 μm, 3 μm and 10 μm in size. Conclusion: The ABX C-UVC device is e ective in reducing airborne contamination and improving air quality in the OR, supporting reduced SSI risk for patients and improved safety for the surgical team.