Innovative Combination of Upper-Room GUV Lights and HEPA Filtration Offers Cost-Effective COVID-19 Control Solution for Hospitals

An innovative combination of HEPA filtration-based air purifiers and upper-room germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) lights is helping to protect patients and hospital personnel from COVID-19.

The infectious disease solution is provided by AeroMed Technologies (Utica, NY, USA) which offers customized client solutions based on the unique configuration of the hospital or healthcare facility and its specific needs. Upper-room GUV units are designed to irradiate air that may be potentially contaminated with bacteria, viruses or mold. Upper-room GUV lights have become a crucial, cost-effective product in the fight against COVID-19. The technology is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 applications, stating that upper-room UVG lights “can be used to provide air cleaning within occupied spaces.”

AeroMed’s InFinity GUV fixture utilizes the company’s patented InFluence technology to create higher GUV output levels throughout a space. In addition to common airborne-spread germs, the AeroMed InFinity GUV upper- room fixtures are intended to be used for tuberculosis infection prevention and control in accordance with WHO 2019 updated guidelines. Improvements to standard baffle and reflector design, along with opening up the sides of the fixture, have given the Infinity series a higher output of UV irradiation. Higher UV levels within the upper air of a room lead to improved performance, ultimately creating a safer environment for patients, staff and visitors.

AeroMed also offers AM-800C, a low profile air purifier designed to fit a 2’ x 4’ ceiling grid for areas where controlling airborne pathogens may be a concern. It removes airborne microcontaminants and can be used for exhaust or recirculation filtration. The unit combines a MERV 8 pre-filter and 99.99% HEPA filter to provide optimal air purification. Typical applications include isolation and exam rooms, waiting areas and procedure rooms. Once air is passed through the HEPA filter, it may be exhausted to create negative pressure or re-circulated back to the room.

“The goal of both systems is to reduce the risk of infection by diluting the concentration of viable microbes in the air, whether they’re viruses or bacteria,” explained Bill Palmer, AeroMed Vice President and a certified environmental infection control consultant. “GUV lights reduce the concentration of viable pathogens by inactivating microbes in the air – it doesn’t remove them but disinfects them so they can no longer cause infection. HEPA filtration relies on moving air through a series of filters to physically remove those same microbes from the air. We are often able to combine both HEPA filtration and GUV into the same product. This protects both the room occupant and the person who eventually will service the air purifier.”

“Our solutions not only provide healthcare professionals peace of mind about working in at-risk settings, but they also create a sense of safety for patients and visitors,” added Palmer. “Some local hospitals, for example, are showing their infection control equipment in advertising to show that they’re taking action to reduce the risk to their patients and employees.”

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