TY - JOUR AU - Fahim, Qanita AU - Uddin, Nasir AU - Hassan, Najam Ul AU - Sabir, Nargis AU - Tariq, Anum AU - Bashir, Ayesha AU - Ahmad, Sarmad PY - 2021/07/03 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - EVALUATION OF GERMICIDAL UV-C LIGHT FOR SURFACE DISINFECTION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL JF - Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal JA - PAFMJ VL - 71 IS - 3 SE - Original Articles DO - 10.51253/pafmj.v71i3.5894 UR - https://pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/5894 SP - 889-94 AB - <p><strong>Objective:</strong> To check the efficacy of 36-Watt Ultraviolet-C tube light, in terms of distance and time against medically important microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus species).</p><p><strong>Study Design:</strong> Quasi-experimental study.</p><p><strong>Place and Duration of Study:</strong> Pathology department, Combined Military Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jun to Sep 2020.</p><p><strong>Methodology:</strong> ATCC control organisms of above mentioned bacteria, yeasts, and fungi were exposed to ultraviolet-C light for different times and distances to ascertain its germicidal effect. Two methods were selected, one in which micro-organisms inoculated plates were exposed to ultraviolet-C light and second in which McFarland suspensions of microorganisms were exposed before inoculation. Both the methods were compared. Observations were noted down after repeated performance of both the procedures.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> An exposure time of 15 minutes, mean ± SD (13.8 ± 10.1) at 1-foot distance was proved ideal for all the tested bacteria, but yeasts and fungi required &gt;30 minutes, mean ± SD (17.5 ± 13.5) to be killed. Moreover, distance and time of exposure were found out to be directly proportional irrespective of microbial load. Greater the distance longer the ultraviolet C exposure was required.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Ultrviolet-C light 36-Watt can have efficient inactivation of bacterial, fungal and archaeal species up to 6 feet for &gt;30 minutes exposure time. Ultraviolet-C light disinfection is best for areas like closed rooms, operation theatres, PCR Labs, and bio-safety cabinets keeping bio-safety guidelines in view.</p> ER -