Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025

Author Spotlight: Microbial Control and Monitoring Strategies for Cleanroom Environments and Cellular Therapies
Published on: March 17, 2023
Ultraviolet Radiation Technologies and Healthcare-Associated Infections: Standards and Metrology Needs.
Dianne L Poster1, C Cameron Miller1, Richard A Martinello2
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) are advancing ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection standards. These efforts accelerate the development and use of UV-C technologies for pathogen abatement in healthcare settings, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Radiation Physics
- Biological Efficacy
Background:
- International workshop on ultraviolet-C (UV-C) disinfection technologies hosted by NIST and IUVA.
- Collaborative effort to examine measurement and standards needs for UV-C pathogen abatement in healthcare.
- Increased emphasis due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, highlighting the need for effective disinfection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss measurement and standards needs for UV-C disinfection technologies.
- To facilitate technology transfer and accelerate the development and use of accurate UV-C disinfection models.
- To provide insights into recent technical developments, successes, and needs in UV-C technology for pathogen abatement.
Main Methods:
- International workshop with over 150 attendees from industry, academia, government, and public health.
- Subsequent community activities including webinars and conferences on UV-C disinfection.
- Compilation of technical papers from experts in medicine and industry.
Main Results:
- Identified critical needs for testing and performance metrology in UV-C disinfection.
- Highlighted recent technical developments and successes in UV-C optics, radiation physics, and biological efficacy.
- Outlined future market needs and the essential role of standards for UV-C technology implementation.
Conclusions:
- Standards are crucial for the innovation and implementation of UV-C technology.
- Continued collaboration between NIST, IUVA, and stakeholders is vital for advancing UV-C disinfection.
- Effective UV-C technology deployment is essential for improved patient care and public health outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview

