Porter Adventist Hospital Unveils Robots That Zap Dangerous Germs

DENVER, Oct. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Porter Adventist Hospital today unveiled robots that are being used to destroy potentially lethal germs and bacteria that can pose a risk to patient and employee safety. The technology uses pulsed xenon ultraviolet (UV) light to quickly destroy bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens. Studies show the robots are consistently 20 times more effective than standard chemical cleaning practices.

Pulsed xenon UV light quickly destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi and bacterial spores. The portable disinfection system is effective against even the most dangerous pathogens, including Clostridium difficile (C.diff), norovirus, influenza, Ebola and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

"Although Porter offers one of the safest environments to receive care in the nation, we are committed to investments that build on that solid track record," said Porter Hospital's Chief Medical Officer Thomas Drake, M.D. "One hospital acquired infection is one too many, so we are excited to begin using this new system to help us achieve our goal of zero infections. This investment is important and underscores our commitment to patient care and the communities we serve." 

UV light has been used for disinfection for decades. The robot utilizes a new technology that includes pulsed xenon to create germicidal UV light. Pulsed xenon emits high intensity UVC light, which penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms. Their DNA is fused, rendering them unable to reproduce or mutate, effectively killing them on surfaces without contact or chemicals.

The portable system can disinfect a typical patient or procedure room in four or five minute cycles (depending on the robot model) without warm-up or cool-down times. It can be used in any department and in any unit within a healthcare facility, including isolation rooms, operating rooms, general patient care rooms, contact precaution areas, emergency rooms, bathrooms and public spaces.

The pulsed xenon UV disinfection system has been credited by healthcare facilities across the U.S. for helping them reduce their infection rates significantly. Several hospitals have published their C.diff, MRSA and Surgical Site infection rate reduction studies in peer-reviewed journals - showing infection rate reductions in excess of 70 percent. More than 350 hospitals, Veterans Affairs and DoD facilities in the U.S., Canada, Africa, UK and Europe are using these robots.

Katie Trexler Kern
303.941.4118 or [email protected]

SOURCE Porter Adventist Hospital