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Time Effectiveness of Ultraviolet C Light (UVC) Emitted by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Reducing Stethoscope Contamination

Author

Listed:
  • Gabriele Messina

    (Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Mattia Fattorini

    (Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Nicola Nante

    (Laboratory of Environmental Hygiene, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
    Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Daniele Rosadini

    (Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Andrea Serafini

    (Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Marco Tani

    (FeT Elettronica S.n.c Via A. Volta 28, 53036 Poggibonsi (Siena), Italy)

  • Gabriele Cevenini

    (Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy)

Abstract

Today it is well demonstrated that stethoscopes can be as contaminated as hands, which are a recognized source of Health-Care Associated Infections (HCAIs). Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has proven disinfection capacity and the innovative UVC technology of Light Emitting Diode (LED) shows several potential benefits. To verify whether the use of UVC LEDs is effective and reliable in stethoscope membrane disinfection after prolonged use, a pre-post intervention study was conducted. A total of 1668 five-minute cycles were performed on two UVC LEDs to simulate their use; thereafter, their disinfection capacity was tested on stethoscope membranes used on a previously auscultated volunteer. Then, a further 1249 cycles were run and finally the LEDs were tested to assess performance in reducing experimental contamination by Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on the stethoscope membrane. Baseline volunteer contamination identified 104 Colony Forming Units (CFUs) while treated Petri dishes had 12 and 15 CFUs ( p < 0.001). Statistically significant differences ( p < 0.001) were also found relating to the reduction of specific bacteria: in particular, after treatment no CFU were observed for S. aureus and E. coli . UVC LEDs demonstrated the capacity to maintain high levels of disinfection after more than 240 h of use and they were effective against common microorganisms that are causative agents of HCAIs.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Messina & Mattia Fattorini & Nicola Nante & Daniele Rosadini & Andrea Serafini & Marco Tani & Gabriele Cevenini, 2016. "Time Effectiveness of Ultraviolet C Light (UVC) Emitted by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Reducing Stethoscope Contamination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:13:y:2016:i:10:p:940-:d:78748
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Margherita Napolitani & Daiana Bezzini & Fulvio Moirano & Corrado Bedogni & Gabriele Messina, 2020. "Methods of Disinfecting Stethoscopes: Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Karyne Rangel & Fellipe O. Cabral & Guilherme C. Lechuga & Maria H. S. Villas-Bôas & Victor Midlej & Salvatore G. De-Simone, 2022. "Effectiveness Evaluation of a UV-C-Photoinactivator against Selected ESKAPE-E Pathogens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-19, December.
    3. Luigi Cirrincione & Venerando Rapisarda & Walter Mazzucco & Rosanna Provenzano & Emanuele Cannizzaro, 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk Assessment Document in Italian Work; Specific or Generic Risk Even If Aggravated?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-10, April.
    4. Hanns Moshammer & Stana Simic & Daniela Haluza, 2017. "UV-Radiation: From Physics to Impacts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-5, February.
    5. Maria Luisa Cristina & Marina Sartini & Anna Maria Spagnolo, 2019. "Serratia marcescens Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-10, February.
    6. Gabriele Messina & Alessandro Della Camera & Pietro Ferraro & Davide Amodeo & Alessio Corazza & Nicola Nante & Gabriele Cevenini, 2021. "An Emerging Innovative UV Disinfection Technology (Part II): Virucide Activity on SARS-CoV-2," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-10, April.

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