Xenex Ultraviolet Light Room Cleaning Implemented at WellStar

In October, WellStar will complete Systemwide implementation of a new cleaning process called Xenex™. The process uses pulsed ultraviolet light technology to decontaminate rooms in five to 12 minutes.

Ten Xenex machines are in use Systemwide; WellStar Kennestone Hospital piloted two machines in November 2011 and will begin using three more this month; all other WellStar hospitals began using their machines in July 2012. There are two machines at WellStar Cobb Hospital, and one each at all other WellStar hospitals.

“In keeping with our mission and vision, WellStar is always looking for innovative ways to provide better and safer care to our community,” said Chaele Ellsworth, director, Quality & Safety, WellStar Kennestone. “Part of this commitment means ensuring our patients don’t acquire infections while in the hospital. The Xenex technology will help us keep our commitment.”

A.J. Kassim, manager, WellStar Kennestone Hospital Environmental Services Department, and EVS team member Jocelyn Josaphat, with one of the hospital’s five Xenex machines

Xenex’s efficacy has been confirmed in more than 1,400 independent lab samples and several hospital studies, including one at MD Anderson Cancer Center which showed the system was 20 times more effective than the regular cleaning protocol. It has been confirmed effective against MRSA, VRE, C. diff spores, Acinetobactor, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Norovirus and many more organisms. WellStar also conducted its own research to substantiate these results.

It will be used in patient rooms, the Emergency Departments, public restrooms, procedural areas (OR, GI Lab, EP Lab), supply rooms and nursing stations.

Environmental Services (EVS) team members are operating the machines at each hospital. A.J. Kassim, manager of EVS at WellStar Kennestone, appreciates the speed with which Xenex machines can disinfect patient rooms. “Now we can expedite room cleaning when there’s a crunch for beds,” he explained. “EVS team members find the machines easy to use and efficient, and I particularly appreciate that they are supported and maintained by the manufacturer.”

Lisa Brown, infection preventionist at WellStar Kennestone is excited that an independent study conducted at Kennestone on Xenex vs. standard cleaning showed a significant reduction in organisms. “This information confirms what independent studies have already revealed in hospitals currently using the technology,” she said.

Eunice Pollard, coordinator, Performance Improvement, at WellStar Kennestone, said Xenex is more effective and efficient than Bioquell, WellStar’s previous cleaning method. “Xenex is environmentally friendly and faster – we can clean a room in 10 minutes vs. two hours with Bioquell,” she said.

Xenex uses reflectors and movement to focus UV light toward high-touch surfaces. A visible light filter blocks the bright xenon pulse so rooms with interior glass can be treated without distraction. A motion detection system and door guards ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff.