A source of pathogenic bacteria that may be overlooked in environmental cleaning in healthcare facilities is the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. HVAC systems have been shown to collect, amplify and spread microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, Enterbacter and Acinetobacter that cause infections and increase patient morbidity and mortality. Implementing germicidal ultraviolet light in HVAC systems at the AC coil can eliminate these microorganisms and reduce healthcare-associated infections, leading to signicant reduction of non-reimbursable hospital charges.
(Credit: Sabrina Rodak, Clinical Quality & Infection Control)
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