Decontamination
UV-C disinfection: ensuring safety and sustainability
Daan Hoek examines the impact of UV-C light technology in ultrasound probe reprocessing, focusing on how it enhances patient and staff safety. He explains how it contributes to more effective infection control measures, while providing a balance between compliance and sustainability.
In the current healthcare landscape, managing infection risk is a top priority, particularly in areas involving diagnostic equipment such as ultrasound probes, which are used for multiple patients. The emergence and desire for advanced disinfection methods, especially those based on UV-C light, represents a significant shift in infection control practices. These new methods can offer a more cost effective, efficient, and sustainable approach compared to traditional methods such as wipes and chemicals.
Compliance vs sustainability Healthcare facilities must meet numerous safety and quality standards, such as EN-15883-4 and EN-14885:2018, which relate to cleaning and disinfecting healthcare equipment. Resource limitations, with limited staff, equipment and budgets, place constraints on compliance. But, without these standards, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) or nosocomial diseases, such as STDs, could spread between patients. Non-compliance with these standards could cause legal repercussions, health risks for both patients and staff, and damage to the public image of a facility – leading to a lack of trust and declining patient numbers. In addition to the need for compliance, healthcare facilities have sustainability concerns, beginning with the tons of waste generated, including toxic wastes. These, along with a high chemical footprint, high water use, and high energy consumption, ultimately result in negative impacts on emissions and ecosystems. In addition, complying with health & safety regulations may actually increase the use of water, energy and chemicals. For example, disposables minimise the risk
of cross-contamination, save time, perform reliably, and are always available for use, even in emergencies. However, this method of disinfection consumes copious amounts of energy and materials, while also requiring special handling for hazardous material
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disposal. The result is that disposables have a significant impact on the environment.
Balancing global sustainability and health standards The healthcare sector exists to provide safe and effective patient care, in accordance with regulatory standards. But, with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in the medical sector, health facilities must provide a balance between effective infection control measures and sustainable practices. Public and political pressure to reduce the
environmental footprint of the healthcare industry is increasing. For example, the WEF estimates that healthcare systems account for over 4% of global CO2
emissions and the
organisation is working to reduce the carbon footprint of these institutions to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.1
Other NGOs seek to
improve sustainability in hospitals by minimising hazardous chemicals and toxic waste.2 Healthcare providers committed to regulatory compliance may recognise that some guidelines might lag behind on including new technologies as they emerge, such as UV-C light disinfection. But adopting these advanced technologies could
be key to increased sustainability within the sector.
Sustainable ultrasound probe disinfection Ultrasound probes are essential healthcare equipment, used in a range of diagnostic procedures from obstetrics to cardiology. Their ability to provide real-time imaging makes them invaluable for accurate diagnoses and patient care. However, appropriately disinfecting each probe between examinations is critical for patient safety to avoid serious health risks, including the transmission of infectious microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. These risks are particularly high in procedures involving close contact with mucous membranes or broken skin, where the chances of pathogen transfer increase. The implications of inappropriate disinfection
practices extend beyond direct patient safety. They can lead to outbreaks of HCAIs, which are challenging to manage and treat, and can significantly impact healthcare outcomes. In settings where probes are used frequently, such as in women’s health for prenatal check-ups, the risk of cross-contamination can be particularly
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