UV-A in the NICU: New Technology for an Old Challenge

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious concern in the NICU. Alternatives or supplements to manual cleaning are increasingly being explored, including ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technologies. A recently-developed hybrid lighting system technology, designed to provide both visible white light and disinfecting UV-A (λmax = 366 nm) radiation, was retrofitted into a hospital newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The UV-A dosing was set to levels calculated to be safe for continuous adult occupation. The results showed that eight-hour exposures of 3 W m-2 on counter surfaces were effective for suppressing bacteria that commonly cause HAIs in the NICU. Although UV-A is not as effective at inactivating viruses as UV-C, it is safe for use while space is occupied, making it a promising technology for consideration in certain areas of the NICU.