Tech Review: Safe and Effective Decontamination of Air for Clinics Using UV-C Air Sterilisation

Safe and Effective Decontamination of Air for Clinics Using UV-C Air SterilisationImage: Sayoli

As the battle against COVID-19 continues to present significant challenges for the delivery of primary healthcare services, the logistics for GP surgeries and clinics to be able to provide in-person care remains problematic. Sayoli’s UV-C Air Sterilisation, is one option available to practitioners that can offer an easy and effective method of decontaminating the air in consultation rooms.

According to the World Health Organisation, airborne transmission is one of the key factors in COVID-19 transmission. Confined spaces mean that, even with protective equipment, staff and patients are at risk of contracting the infection through airborne particles. While improved ventilation can help circulate and refresh the air in indoor spaces, it can be impractical in many cases. Directly decontaminating the air in a room is one option that can help reduce the risk of transmission, and when introduced as part of a wider decontamination process can be very effective in improving workplace safety.

Ultraviolet radiation is one of the most effective ways to eliminate coronavirus – recommended by both the WHO and the United States’ Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. The effectiveness of Air Flow UV-C Sterilisers was tested by American scientists from Columbia University, with research clearly demonstrating that such devices, meeting basic safety requirements, effectively eliminate viruses without any adverse effects on people.

How does UV-C air decontamination work?

The technology of air and surface sterilisation is based on bactericidal effects of UV radiation. UV-C radiation with wavelength of 250-280nm has the best bactericidal and virucidal effectiveness from the entire UV electromagnetic range.

A UV-C lamp destroys bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi, as the radiation changes the structure of cytoplasmic proteins and nucleic acids destroying the DNA structure of the microorganism. This leads to a chemical reaction, which destroys harmful pathogens.

UV-C air decontamination devices

Inside the device is a lamp emitting UV-C radiation. Air is drawn in by the fan from below and goes to the disinfection chamber. Inside it is exposed to concentrated UV-C radiation. This is where the microbes are immediately destroyed. The disinfected air then leaves the device through the upper ventilation holes. The air movement is forced by a fan designed for continuous operation. Within 1 hour our devices can sterilise as much as 30m3 of air.

The steriliser does not have a negative impact on the human body, which allows you to stay in the room during the sterilisation process. No ozone is produced.

Sayoli offers a range of compact and sleekly designed devices; a portable model for smaller spaces, such as consulting rooms, or a bigger device that is designed for larger spaces like waiting rooms.

The UV-C lamps work silently and continuously in rooms with people inside with no negative impact. They can be applied in all places, where people gather, or customers are served. In Germany they are also a popular choice in nurseries so completely safe to use even around babies and very young children.