Myth: Privacy curtains can be cleaned with UV-C.
Fact: UV-C light stations can only decontaminate curtains but only when repositioned for each cycle so both sides of the curtain are treated.
As it relates to curtains, UV-C decontamination is less efficient than laundering but may be a feasible adjunct to enhance the microbiological safety of textiles in place but does nothing for dust, spots or stains and will add an additional 111 minutes to terminal cleaning times!
There are 4 things to consider when utilizing UV-C to decontaminate curtains:
- UV-C is not for daily decontamination of curtains. Instead, it is for use during terminal cleans only. Room must be clear of all occupants.
- UV-C does not replace a hospital protocol on laundering curtains. The disinfection device does not remove dust or visible soil (i.e., blood, body fluids, feces, etc.)
- Substantial capital equipment and routine maintenance cost for UV-C.
- The use of UV-C devices will delay turn-over time in a room. Soil (both visible and invisible) can hinder the effectiveness of a UV-C disinfection device. When the room is clean, it takes from 30-60 minutes for a complete cycle that will eliminate pathogenic organisms.
At the end of the 171–201-minute cycle, the EVS worker must return to make the bed and prepare the space for the next patient. The whole process from beginning to end could take as much as 4 hours or longer before the next patient can be admitted to the space if the privacy curtain is included in the decontamination.
