The impact of using UVC technology as an adjunct to hospital hygiene

• Grant number: 23/14013-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Inneke Marie van der Heijden Natário
• Grantee: Matheus de Figueiredo Torres
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário FMABC (FMABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Infections related to healthcare are those acquired from the third day of hospitalization or after a procedure. The use of UVC ultraviolet radiation technology has emerged as an important adjuvant in disinfecting environments due to its ability to alter the conformation of the DNA and RNA of the organisms exposed to it. Given the potential that this technology has in reducing the microbial load, it is necessary to evaluate and quantify this potential and how it can reflect on the occurrence of healthcare-related infections. The aim of this study is to assess the percentage of microorganisms before and after using UVC disinfection as an adjunct to the conventional cleaning method.In addition, we will compare the number of bloodstream infections related to the use of central catheters (BSCI) in the same environment before and after the introduction of UVC technology.This will be done using UMDUV 2.0, a disinfection device that uses UVC radiation. The study will be carried out in the oncology ward of the Mario Covas State Hospital, from where samples will be taken at three different times: after the bed has been vacated, after mechanical cleaning by the team in charge and after the UMDUV. The samples will be seeded and compared to the plates from each collection time. A disinfection protocol will then be drawn up which will remain in force for 6 months, with UVC as an adjuvant. Data on bloodstream infections related to the use of central venous catheters at the site in the same period of the previous four years will be analyzed and compared with the data found during the period in which the protocol was in force using a comparative statistical analysis.