A far ultraviolet-C light technology is effective for decontamination of items in proximity to sinks and is enhanced by a far UV-C reflective surface.

BACKGROUND

Dispersal of gram-negative bacilli from sink drains has been implicated as a source of transmission in multiple outbreaks.

METHODS

In an acute care hospital, we assessed how often patient care supplies and other frequently touched items were within 1 meter of sink drains. We tested the efficacy of a ceiling-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology for decontamination of sink bowls and surfaces near sinks with and without a wall-mounted film that reflects far UV-C light.

RESULTS

Of 190 sinks assessed, 55 (29%) had patient care supplies or other frequently touched items within 1 meter of the drain. The far UV-C technology reduced , and on steel disk carriers by ≥1.5 log colony-forming units (CFU) in 45 minutes. On inoculated real-world items, ≥1.9 log CFU reductions in were achieved on sites in line with the light source versus 0.4-1.8 log CFU reductions on shaded surfaces. The addition of the reflective surface significantly enhanced efficacy in shaded sites ( < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In a hospital setting, patient care supplies and other frequently touched items were often in proximity to sinks. The far UV-C light technology could potentially be useful for sink decontamination in high-risk areas.