Experimental study on deep ultraviolet-C LED disinfection device for often-touch surfaces of advanced medical equipment in hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the disinfection efficacy of a third-generation gallium nitride (GaN)-based deep ultraviolet (UVC) LED disinfection cabinet on often-touch surfaces of small advanced electronic devices in hospital clinical environments, and to provide evidence for its application in hospital infection control.

METHODS

A total of 329 device surfaces from 10 randomly selected departments were sampled: 66 computer mice, 151 mobile phones, 53 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), 29 electronic glucometers, and 30 electronic sphygmomanometers. Pre-disinfection bacterial contamination levels were assessed. The UVC-LED cabinet was used for disinfection (10-min cycle, 24 mJ/cm2 dose), and a natural bacteria eradication test was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 658 sampling points (329 pre- and post-disinfection) were monitored. Before disinfection, 57.1% of device surfaces showed microbial contamination, with mice and cleaning staff's mobile phones exhibiting relatively severe bacterial contamination. After disinfection, 97.9% of device surfaces showed bacterial colony counts reduced to 0 CFU, with an average natural bacteria eradication rate of 99.9% (range ≥90%).

CONCLUSION

High-frequency use of small advanced electronic devices by healthcare workers poses hospital infection risks. Deep LED Ultraviolet-C disinfection effectively reduces microbial load on surfaces of devices incompatible with chemical disinfectants or heat. It is recommended as a routine disinfection measure for hospital infection control. This study demonstrates high efficacy under controlled conditions; however, real-world effectiveness may be influenced by factors such as device positioning and surface shadows.