By Matt Mowry
A new device can eradicate nearly 100 percent of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in 20 seconds and is gaining wide acceptance in healthcare facilities, biotech manufacturing sites and even food processing plants.
The CleanSlate UV Sanitizer works on smartphones, tablets, badges and other portable items do not require any training to use and disinfect without harsh chemicals that can damage electronics. The Sanitizer was developed by CleanSlate UV, which has offices in Buffalo, N.Y., and Toronto. The device utilizes short-wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C), which destroys nucleic acids and breaks apart germ DNA, preventing them from being able to function or reproduce.
“So many people come to a hospital every day; having this type of machine available for them to use reinforces the message that hygiene is important,’’ said Josee Shymanski, Manager of Infection Control at Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. “Combining cleaning your phone with cleaning your hands in one hygiene moment that takes just under 30 seconds is a good practice for your health. In addition, it shows that as an organization, we value clean care, and hopefully, that translates to our patients feeling safe.”
Statistics from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Hospital Acquired Infections are a growing concern in the medical community. The CDC report found about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. Another study found three or more bacteria species grew on nearly 21 percent of cell phones belonging to healthcare workers.
With the CleanSlate UV Sanitizer, the user deposits the mobile device into the machine, closes a lid and waits 20 seconds for the device to be cleaned. Once completed, the lid opens automatically and the mobile device can then be removed with clean hands. The device can sanitize multiple items at once, and includes RFID-enabled tracking and compliance auditing. The UV-C light does not dry out or degrade materials, which occur with chemical wipes and can be safely used on a variety of devices with no risk of damage.
Mobile devices are placed on a movable chamber that transports the device into a UV chamber, where the sanitization occurs. After 20 seconds, the device slides out and is ready for use.
The sliding chamber was a critical component, and engineers found a lubrication-free and maintenance-free solution from igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics.
The product includes linear guides made by igus, which runs its United States operations out of Providence, R.I. The DryLin W guides slide, instead of roll, and are a cost-effective and highly flexible installation option. Drylin W guides are resistant to dirt and dust due to dry operation, and are typically used in agricultural machinery, vehicle construction, packaging, furniture and robotics.
“We used roller stainless steel bearings, but due to the metal contact between the ball bearings and guide, the carriage made noise that was beyond the acceptable limits in the hospital settings,’’ said Manju Anand, the Chief Technology Officer for CleanSlate UV. “Furthermore, the friction caused due to non-rolling motions would result in more work for the motor, adding to stress to the system.”
More than 40 hospital systems, biotech companies and food processors in the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong are making significant strides in reducing the number of pathogens found on mobile devices. As mobile devices become increasingly commonplace, healthcare facilities, especially, will need to take steps to keep facilities free from germs and bacteria that flourish on them.
Matt Mowry is the DryLin Product Manager for igus North America.