Effectiveness of ultraviolet-C light treatment of shoes in reducing the transfer of pathogens into patient rooms by shoes of healthcare personnel

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Aug;44(8):1361-1364. doi: 10.1017/ice.2022.242. Epub 2022 Sep 30.

Abstract

Contaminated shoes are a potential vector for dissemination of healthcare-associated pathogens. We demonstrated that healthcare personnel walking into patient rooms frequently transferred pathogens from their shoes to the floor. An 8-second treatment of shoes with a UV-C decontamination device significantly reduced the frequency of transfer of vegetative bacterial pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Decontamination
  • Humans
  • Patients' Rooms*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*