Infections such as mRSA that are acquired whilst in hospital are a huge problem. Aside from the serious health implications, the costs are enormous, with a recent report suggesting that the cost is around $10 billion in the US alone.
That the infections still seem to be thriving despite intensive efforts to improve hygiene suggests that an alternative approach should perhaps be considered.
Step forward Vital Vio, which is a novel approach at reducing the bacteria levels in places such as hospitals and kitchens.
The service utilizes a form of disinfectant lighting, which the makers believe will reduce the kind of harmful microrganisms that are so rife in our hospitals by as much as 99.9%.
The devices use harmless white light from an array of specialized light fixtures hung throughout each facility.
The makers claim that the lights can be installed anywhere in around thirty minutes, thus rendering it very easy to roll out.
Once the system is in place, it provides a round the clock service, providing the facilities it is used in a continous protection against bugs such as mRSA, E.Coli and Salmonella.
The system can also be tailored to specific environments, providing a more intense level of protection in more hostile environments. It’s believe that a 90% level of protection can be gained in just 90 minutes, with 99.9% protection gained after a more prolonged period.
These results have been verified by the NY State Department of Health Wadsworth Biodefense Lab. The company are currently undergoing clinical trials in a number of New York based hospitals, with the results due to be published later this year.
The device was developed by two undergraduates back in 2012 and was launched to the public having raised nearly $500,000 in venture funding prior to launch.
To equip a room with the light system will usually cost a few thousand dollars in capital costs, with each light then costing around 25 cents per day to run. The developers stress however that this remains small change compared to the cost of traditional disinfection.
Certainly an innovation that is worth keeping an eye on.
I must say, that sounds absolutely awesome. What a fantastic product.
This sounds like one of those no brainer inventions that can make a huge difference. If it isn't prohibitively expensive this could be a real game changer for hospital infections.
It almost makes you wonder what the catch is doesn't it? Seems too good to be true.
I wonder how it works practically? I mean how does it get into the folds of blankets and all of that?