Ultraviolet germicidal packages from American Ultraviolet reduce the threat of contamination of the operative wound, and post-operative deep wound infections, that can occur during surgical procedures, particularly when refined-clean wounds are involved.

Studies as far back as 1937 (Duke University, Durham, North Carolina), and as recent as 2007 (Center for Hip and Knee Surgery, St. Francis Hospital-Mooresville, Mooresville, Indiana) report the effectiveness of ultraviolet light in reducing overall infection rates. In the Duke study, during the first five years of use, overall infection rates on clean cases dropped from 10% to 0.24%; on the orthopaedic service, it dropped from 16.5% to .75%. For the next 26 years, the overall infection rate was 0.34%.¹

The St. Francis study (July 1986 to July 2005) shows the infection rate in the operating room decreased significantly, from 1.77% to 0.57%, in association with the use of ultraviolet lighting, even with the elimination of laminar airflow. The decrease in the infection rate for total knee replacement was also significant – 2.2% to 0.5% (p <0.0001).²

With the already extraordinary, and still increasing, cost of infections (including hospitalization, physician care, nurses’ salary, hospital insurance, loss of income from patient’s job, death benefits in case of death, and the like), it’s obvious that reducing infection rates is extremely important.

Ultraviolet germicidal packages from American Ultraviolet are inexpensive to install and maintain, and they do not inconvenience others wishing to use the operating rooms without UVC light, as the lamps can simply be turned off.

With appropriate, and relatively simple safety measures, UVC packages are a very cost-effective environmental control that can help prevent devastating postoperative infections that can result in failed arthroplasty and patient morbidity.

For more than 70 years, UVC (also known as UVGI) light has been used to reduce, or eliminate, DNA-based airborne contaminants (bacteria, viruses, mold spores, yeast, protozoa), and provide operating room personnel, and patients, with much healthier air to breathe. American Ultraviolet has manufactured UVC Germicidal Fixtures since 1960. More than 40,000 of these products have been safely operating in hospitals, laboratories, clean rooms, doctors’ offices, commercial buildings, food processing plants and residences throughout the world – any place a concern for clean air exists. American Ultraviolet is the clear leader in UV technology, and remains committed to providing the highest quality equipment at a fair price.