A back table ultraviolet light decreases environmental contamination during operative cases
Jason M Jennings1, Todd M Miner2, Roseann M Johnson2
1Colorado Joint Replacement, Denver CO; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Denver, Denver, CO.
American Journal of Infection Control
|October 5, 2021
Summary
Germicidal ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) significantly reduced bacterial contamination on operating room back tables. This technology shows promise for decreasing surgical site infections during joint replacement surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Operating room (OR) environmental contamination poses a risk for surgical site infections (SSIs).
- Back tables in the OR can harbor microorganisms, potentially leading to contamination of surgical sites.
- Total joint arthroplasty procedures are susceptible to deep joint infections, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a germicidal ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) in reducing microbial contamination on back tables.
- To assess the impact of UV-LED disinfection on the bacterial load in the vicinity of the operative field during total joint arthroplasty.
- To determine if UV-LED technology can serve as an effective adjunct in maintaining a sterile environment in the OR.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using Tryptic Soy Agar petri plates was conducted over an 8-hour period in 12 operating rooms.
- Plates were placed on the back table and exposed to air, with one plate collected hourly.
- Rooms were randomized to receive either a UV-LED device for disinfection or a sham (non-functional) UV-LED device.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) was observed with UV-LED use compared to the sham device at both 24 hours (27 vs. 95 CFUs, P=.0001) and 48 hours (38 vs. 122 CFUs, P<.0001).
- Multivariate analysis confirmed that UV light was a significant predictor of reduced CFU counts (P=.002).
- The tested variables explained 15.8% and 23.0% of the variance in CFU counts at 24 and 48 hours, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Germicidal UV-LED technology can significantly decrease bacterial contamination levels on operating room back tables.
- This reduction in environmental contamination holds potential for mitigating the risk of deep joint infections following total joint arthroplasty.
- UV-LED disinfection represents a promising strategy for enhancing operating room sterility and patient safety.
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