Ultrafine "dry vapor" hypochlorous: proof-of-concept disinfection application

Current disinfection strategies are limited by cost, safety concerns, and logistical inefficiencies, particularly in busy healthcare environments. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with a well-established safety profile, but its use as an ultrafine aqueous "dry vapor" has not been widely studied in healthcare settings. This proof-of-concept study evaluated the feasibility of using ultrafine aqueous HOCl for large-scale disinfection in outpatient medical facilities.

Four outpatient facilities ranging from 4,500 to 90,000 square feet were treated with ultrafine aqueous (<2 micron) HOCl. Samples were collected from staff, procedure, and public areas. ATP bioluminescence in Relative Light Units (RLU) was measured before treatment and at 30 and 60-minutes post-treatment. Results: Statistically significant reductions in RLU were observed at 30 minutes (p < 0.001) and 60 minutes (p < 0.001) post-treatment compared to baseline. Significant reduction was also noted from 30 minutes to 60 minutes (p < 0.001). All facilities achieved disinfection levels below the guidelines for terminal disinfection of hospital non-surgical areas.

Ultrafine aqueous HOCl is an efficient and safe disinfection method for large medical facilities, with implications for improving infection control practices and reducing healthcare-associated infections.