Environmental Impact of a Novel UV-C Disinfection Machine for Non-Channel Flexible Laryngoscopes

Infection prevention in hospitals is a highly discussed and regulated process for endoscopy in Otolaryngology. The current standard for endoscopes involves high level disinfection (HLD). The UV-SMART D60 disinfection machine utilizes Impelux UV-C light technology. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of the D60 machine within an otolaryngology department in comparison to current HLD protocols.

Three equipment, materials, and disposables audits were conducted where the turnover and HLD process of a single non-channeled laryngoscope was analyzed. Every item involved in the cleaning process was documented for both standard HLD and D60 workflows. Water quantity was documented and a power meter was used to determine the wattage of the machinery used. Additionally, scope turnover time was documented and CO₂ emissions were calculated from known quantities.

Results demonstrated a significant reduction in material usage with the D60 including reduced PPE. The total water usage was about 45 L more per scope for traditional HLD. Power analysis demonstrated a reduction of 250 watts per scope. Additionally, the D60 reduced CO₂ emissions by over a factor of 3500. Scope turnover time was 109 min less for the D60.

Environmental analysis demonstrates a significant amount of usage of disposables, water, and energy per non-channeled nasolaryngoscope with current HLD protocols. UV-C HLD resulted in less consumption of these resources. The marked reduction in turnover time and scope handling represents a significant opportunity for clinical efficiency, cost reduction, and resource consumption and will merit further investigation when FDA approval is granted.

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