A clinically validated technology that destroys HAI-causing microorganisms amplifying in air conditioning coils.
Dangerous pathogens like bacteria, viruses and mold attributed to hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) are thriving here. Air transported by air conditioning components (below) has been proven to spread contamination throughout a facility.
The HVAC unit in a healthcare environment is a reservoir, amplifier and disseminator of microorganisms commonly attributed to hospital acquired infections. More than just airborne infections, these microorganisms contribute to the growth of a complex microbiological material called “biofilm” (above) that adheres to HVAC surfaces especially coils and drain pans. Peer reviewed studies show that these problematic microorganisms are circulated and are present in the air for inhalation by patients, increasing HAI risk. Air filtration and regular cleaning alone are insufficient. The solution is to address the underlying cause of contamination at the source.
The best long-term solution with quantifiable and predictable outcomes: Steril-Aire’s ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) solution.
2.5 year study: Microbes in HVAC eradicated, with reductions in HAI’s and $850,000 in annual clinical savings.
Steril-Aire UVGI solutions give healthcare facilities three sustainable advantages
Destroy HAI-causing Microorganisms
Over 20 years of data indicate that installations of Steril-Aire UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) systems produce sustainable and predictable disinfection outcomes. Deactivation of microorganisms by greater than 5 log can be achieved. The disinfection is designed to reduce pathogens to the desired level.
Energy Savings, Increased Capacity
In addition to harboring pathogens, biofilm growth makes HVAC units less efficient increasing energy use. Coils that are continuously cleaned with Steril-Aire UVGI keep operating at optimum thermal capacity for the life of the equipment. One healthcare facility saved $500,000 on a $25,000 investment.
Reduced Maintenance Cost
Manual cleaning of air conditioning coils and components is labor-intensive. As soon as it’s removed, sticky biofilm begins forming again at a rapid rate. Continuous cleaning by Steril-Aire UVGI not only reduces maintenance costs but completely eliminates the need for chemical cleaning. Our UVGI solutions are designed to irradiate the surfaces where biofilm and microorganisms grow.
In one year, a $25,000 investment in Steril-Aire saved $500,000 on energy and equipment sustainability.
Steril-Aire Healthcare products
How Steril-Aire has reduced hospital acquired infections (HAIs)
Coil Cleaning Myths (Contracting Business)
Typical fin design restricts the effectiveness of pressure spraying for coil cleaning and simply “packs” the biological matter further into the coil interior resulting increased air pressure drop and reduced air flow.
Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL
Steril-Aire UVC brings energy efficiency, operational savings to this Florida hospital, saving the facility a minimum of 15% in HVAC energy costs, reducing HVAC downtime, and eliminating costly and labor-intensive coil cleaning.
Improving Environmental Hygiene: Shining the Light on Air Systems to Cut Infections (Becker’s Clinical Quality and Infection Control)
HVAC systems have been shown to collect, amplify and spread microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter that cause HAIs and increase patient morbidity and mortality. Implementing germicidal ultraviolet light in HVAC systems at the AC coil can eliminate these microorganisms and reduce health-care-associated infections, leading to significant reduction of non-reimbursable hospital charges.
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, PA
A 7 ½ year study conducted in the In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory of the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network found the use of Steril-Are UVGI installed in the HVAC system had a clinically significant impact on clinical pregnancy rates (CPR).
Steril-Aire UVC Emitters Provide Microbial Control (Infection Control Today)
Steril-Aire UVC Emitters Provide Microbial Control (Infection Control Today)
Muskogee Community Hospital, Muskogee, OK
Using Steril-Aire UVC in the air handling units and in custom-designed ceiling-mounted units in the surgical and procedural suites is an integral part of this facility’s innovative infection control strategy.
Muskogee Community Hospital, Muskogee, OK
Installed in 77 air handling units that serve patient areas and 7 ceiling-mounted devices specially designed for after-hours disinfection of surgical and procedural areas, the Oklahoma Hospital Association study documented zero HAIs over a span of 21 months.
Effectiveness of germicidal radiation for reducing fungal contamination within air-handling units. (Applied and Environmental Microbiology)
This scientific abstract reviews the applicability and contribution of germicidal UV to significantly lower the levels of fungi growing on insulation within air-handling units (AHUs) and the reduction of airborne fungi levels.
The Microbiology of HVAC Biofilm (Indoor Environment Connections)
This article highlights how the HVAC system can be an amplification and transmission source of airborne infections and the use of UVC as a safe, effective HAI control strategy. It also stresses the importance of collaboration between infection control personnel and facility engineers for a successful implementation.
Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
A 2½ year, peer-reviewed study shows a greater than 5 Log microbial load reduction per square centimeter of HVAC coil in just 6 days! This study documents significant reductions in VAP and a decrease in antibiotic use in NICU high-risk patients as well as medical savings of more than $500,000 in the first year.
4 take-aways on why Steril-Aire is the best UVGI solution.
Higher output means sustained antimicrobial action. A minimum 99.9% inactivation of microorganisms requires a specific dose of UVGI energy. Steril-Aire UVGI emitters are proven to sustain higher intensities over a longer period of time as compared to other’s products.
Independent testing proves performance superiority. Independent testing has proven that our emitters deliver up to 6 times more energy than competitor products with superior disinfection in the cool and damp HVAC environment.
Systems engineered to penetrate every recess. Steril-Aire solutions are engineered to penetrate every corner and recess where microorganisms breed. We optimize performance by providing an appropriate level of UVGI energy to satisfy your required level of microbial deactivation.
Steril-Aire’s technology is often copied, never duplicated. Steril-Aire invented UVC for HVAC technology nearly 30 years ago and has continued to upgrade it. Imitators have never been able to equal the original, which includes superior construction and engineering support.