In the healthcare industry, maintaining a sterile environment is of paramount importance. Hospitals are constantly seeking innovative solutions to minimize the risk of infections and improve patient outcomes. Two popular methods for air and surface sterilization in healthcare settings are air purifiers for hospitals and UV sterilization. This blog aims to compare these two technologies, focusing on their effectiveness, applications, and limitations. We will also discuss why AirROS is emerging as the best choice for hospitals.

The Basics

Air Purifiers For Hospitals

Air purifiers work by drawing in air and passing it through a series of filters that capture pollutants such as dust, bacteria, and viruses. Advanced systems like AirROS go a step further by using a High Voltage Controlled Pulse (HVCP) reaction chamber to generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), effectively destroying airborne pathogens.

UV Sterilization

UV sterilization uses ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms. The UV light disrupts the DNA or RNA of the pathogens, making it impossible for them to reproduce.

Effectiveness

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers like AirROS are highly effective in eliminating a wide range of pollutants, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The ROS generated in the HVCP chamber are highly reactive and can break down even the most resilient pathogens.

UV Sterilization

While UV sterilization is effective against many types of bacteria and viruses, it has limitations. For instance, the effectiveness of UV light can be reduced if the air is not circulated properly, or if the pathogens are shielded by dust or other particles.

Real-World Scenario: The Limitations of UV in Shadow Areas

Imagine a busy hospital operating room where surgeries are performed around the clock. After each surgery, the room is sanitized using UV sterilization. While this method is effective in killing bacteria and viruses on exposed surfaces and in the air, it has a significant limitation: it cannot disinfect shadowed areas.

Let’s consider the operating table, which has various nooks, crannies, and underneath sections that are shadowed and not directly exposed to the UV light. These areas can harbor dangerous pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are commonly found in healthcare settings. Since UV light cannot penetrate these shadowed areas, the pathogens remain untouched and alive.

Now, imagine a scenario where a surgical instrument accidentally comes into contact with one of these shadowed areas and is then used in a surgery. The risk of transmitting a hospital-acquired infection to the patient increases significantly. Such infections can lead to complications, longer hospital stays, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal.

This real-world scenario underscores the limitations of relying solely on UV sterilization in a hospital setting. While UV light is powerful, its inability to disinfect shadowed areas leaves room for potential biological contaminants to spread, posing a risk to both patients and healthcare providers.

Types of Applications Inside Hospitals

AirROS Applications

1. Patient Rooms: AirROS can sanitize the air and surfaces, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
2. Operating Theaters: Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial here, and AirROS can help achieve that.
3. Intensive Care Units (ICUs): In these critical areas, AirROS can provide continuous sanitization without disrupting patient care.
4. Waiting Areas: These are high-traffic zones where the risk of airborne transmission is high. AirROS can help in maintaining a safer environment.
5. Pharmacy and Laboratories: These areas require a high level of sterility, which AirROS can provide.

UV Sterilization Applications

1. Operating Theaters: UV lamps are sometimes used post-operation to sanitize the room.
2. Equipment Sterilization: UV can be used to sterilize non-porous items like surgical instruments.

Limitations and Cons

AirROS

The only limitation of AirROS is that it requires electricity to operate, which means it won’t work during a power outage unless there’s a backup power source.

UV Sterilization

1. Limited Scope: UV light can only sanitize the areas it reaches. Shadowed areas or places covered by dust can remain untreated.
2. Health Risks: Prolonged exposure to UV light can be harmful to humans, causing skin burns and eye injuries.
3. Material Degradation: UV light can degrade certain materials, limiting its use on some surfaces.

Why AirROS is the Best Choice

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Unlike UV, AirROS sanitizes both air and surfaces, offering a more comprehensive solution.
2. Safety: AirROS is safe for continuous use in environments with patients and healthcare workers.
3. Effectiveness: The ROS generated by AirROS are highly effective in destroying a wide range of pathogens, making it a more reliable choice.

While both air purifiers and UV sterilization have their merits, AirROS emerges as the superior choice for hospitals due to its comprehensive coverage, safety, and effectiveness. Its versatility in applications—from patient rooms to ICUs—makes it an invaluable asset for any healthcare facility committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and patient care.

Is your hospital doing enough to ensure a sterile environment? Consider implementing AirROS for a comprehensive air and surface sanitization solution that is both effective and safe. Contact us today by filling out the form!