Decontamination
steps for the safe and sustainable integration of UV-C technology in a healthcare setting. It sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare disinfection by promoting excellence in both care and sustainability. The Green Standard was created to address
five critical challenges for healthcare facilities: patient safety, waste reduction, workflow efficiency, sustainability advocacy, and regulatory compliance. It offers clear answers to the many questions about how and why to implement UV-C disinfection technology into a medical facility’s current workflow.
Scope of the Green Standard The Green standard has been tested and approved on UV-C disinfection equipment classified as medical devices Class IIa under MDR. To be included, these devices must be compliant with international safety and quality standards, specifically EN-15883-4 and EN-14885:2018. These inclusion criteria extend to devices backed by approved clinical and laboratory data, emphasising the importance of evidence-based practice and validation of effectiveness. The focus of the Green Standard is
on Spaulding Classification semi-critical disinfection category, covering medical equipment which comes into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin. This category requires high-level disinfection, which can kill a wide spectrum of microorganisms. At the time of writing, the standard has been tested and approved for use with flexible channel-less ENT endoscopes, rigid ENT endoscopes, TEE probes, and ultrasound probes.
Implementing the Green Standard For healthcare professionals looking to incorporate UV-C light disinfection equipment into their workflow, the Green Standard provides a detailed step-by-step implementation guide, including best practices and advice for hospitals. It also includes detailed information on UV-C disinfection technology, functionality, safety, efficacy, and benefits to the healthcare sector.
A verification and validation document is also
included in the standard, showcasing laboratory validation data, hospital tests, compatibility tests, and user feedback. This can serve as a reference for medical professionals considering the implementation of a UV-C disinfection device.
Data and experiences gleaned from early
adopters and supporters of UV-C disinfection technology on four continents has shown that the Green Standard has a great impact
66
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I October 2024 The integration of UV-C disinfection
technology into a facility’s workflow marks a substantial advancement in healthcare, particularly in the area of ultrasound probe safety. It stands as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to patient safety, staff welfare, and environmental responsibility. To implement sustainable processes in your hospital or clinic, the Green Standard helps you compliantly integrate UV-C disinfection into your current workflow. For more information on the Green Standard
for UV-Light disinfection, download the UV Smart webinar on ‘How to be Compliant and Sustainable in Healthcare,’ at: https://www.
thegreenstandard.nl/webinars/
on patient safety, sustainability, and workflow efficiency in healthcare settings. For example, a study at the Reinier de Graaf Hospital and Technical University, Delft, showed that implementing the Green Standard resulted in an annual reduction in chemical use by up to 1547 litres. Annual water consumption also decreased by as much as 7875 litres, and annual CO2
emissions were cut by approximately 8703.65 kilograms.3 UV-C light disinfection equipment following
the Green Standard proved to be compliant with international safety and quality standards and also showed enhanced patient safety and streamlined workflow, while costing 41% less than current disinfection methods, due to reduced chemical and consumable costs.
Sustainability and operational efficiency The integration of UV-C disinfection technology in healthcare settings has a significant impact on safety, sustainability, and compliance. The ecological and economic benefits of UV-C disinfection in healthcare are considerable. This technology enhances sustainability by reducing the need for chemical disinfectants, consumables, and disposables, as well as reducing the need for water and energy in medical facilities. It also improves operational efficiency
through faster, more reliable cleaning processes, allowing healthcare providers to spend more time on patient care. Economically, UV-C disinfection offers significant cost savings over time. It preserves the integrity of sensitive equipment such as ultrasound probes, minimising the need for costly repairs or replacements and reducing dependency on disposable cleaning products. This positions UV-C disinfection as an efficient, cost-effective, and more sustainable solution in modern healthcare.
CSJ
References 1.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/ cop27-how-healthcare-can-reduce-carbon- footprint/
2.
https://noharm-global.org/content/global/ our-global-work
3. Reinier de Graaf Hospital and Technical University Delft. (2023). The Way to Sustainable Healthcare: Reduction of CO2 Emissions and Turnaround Time Through Innovative Disinfection Methods.
About the author
Daan Hoek, a pioneer in UV-C technology, founded UV Smart with Thijs Kea, driving innovation in UV-C disinfection in Healthcare since 2018. He has led 12+ clinical trials, created UV-C device standards in Europe, and achieving MDR compliance and Health Canada approvals for all UV Smart’s products. His work is globally recognised, with UV
Smart’s technology used in 25+ countries. As a member of the AAMI TIR118 (UV Disinfection Task Group) and a featured guest on international podcasts, Daan is a respected thought leader in the field of UV-C disinfection.
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