CRDAMC deploys germ-killing robots to combat infections in operating rooms

Photo By Patricia Deal | CRDAMC recently added TRU-D (Total Room Ultraviolet Disinfector) SmartUVC robots to combat infections in operating rooms and protect patient safety. The robots use ultraviolet light energy proven to kill 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria and fungal spores. (U.S. Army photo by Patricia Deal, CRDAMC Public Affairs)  

UNITED STATES

08.21.2020

Story by Patricia Deal 

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center

FORT HOOD, Texas—Two 5-foot, 5-inch germ-killing robots armed with ultraviolet light energy have joined the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center’s environmental services team as a final layer of defense to combat infections in operating rooms and protect patient safety.

The TRU-D (Total Room Ultraviolet Disinfector) SmartUVC robots are mobile, automated units with patented Sensor 360 technology which operate from a single position and administer a single cycle of Ultraviolet light proven to kill 99.99 percent of viruses, bacteria and fungal spores, according to the manufacturer.

“The TRU-D robots are designed to augment hospitals’ cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Often normal cleaning and disinfection may leave behind some residual contamination. For instance, the COVID-19 virus has shown it can live on plastic and steel surfaces for up to three days,” said Lt. Col. Dwight Berry, chief of CRDAMC’s Peri Operative Nurse Section. “As the final step, TRU-D floods the room with UVC energy light that will eliminate any known bacterial or viral pathogen known to man, making sure to eliminate any pathogens left after regular cleaning protocols.”

While CRDAMC has a very low infection rate, below national standards, the command saw this concept as a way for the hospital to maintain a significantly lower hospital infection rate and ensure patient safety. With the outbreak of the coronavirus, public health officials encourage people to take more aggressive steps to prevent the widespread of the virus, especially in hospitals or places where the infected patients are being treated.

“It is a great investment as the added disinfection that the TRU-D provides will significantly decrease surgical site infections. One hospital acquired infection or even a post-operative surgical site infection alone can cost the hospital thousands of dollars to treat and care for the patient,” Berry said.

• Date Taken: 08.21.2020
• Date Posted: 08.24.2020 06:10
• Story ID: 376582
• Location: US