Georgia Hospital Deploys Xenex Disinfection Robots to Fight Coronavirus
August 17, 2021
Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elberton, Ga., has announced it has deployed two Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots to help stop the spread of germs, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Manufactured by Xenex Disinfection Services, the robots use pulsed xenon to create intense bursts of broad spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light that quickly destroy bacteria and viruses without damaging materials in the room. Xenex said more than 40 peer-reviewed studies have been published by healthcare facilities validating the efficacy of the LightStrike robot disinfection technology.
“Elbert Memorial Hospital is committed to providing the safest and cleanest possible environment for our patients and staff,” said Kerry Trapnell, CEO of Elbert Memorial Hospital. “We want to do everything we can to reduce the spread of pathogens that can cause infections like COVID-19. Investing in these Xenex robots just furthers our commitment to the healthcare of this community.”
Xenex said some viruses and bacteria are becoming resistant to cleaning chemicals, antibiotics and even hand sanitizers, which lead hospitals like Elbert to turn to new technology to enhance their cleaning and sanitation practices. The company said its robots can quickly deactivate coronavirus and other microorganisms that can cause infections, including MRSA, and VRE, which often dwell on high-touch surfaces in healthcare facilities.
The robot works in 5-minute cycles, and does not require warm-up or cool-down time, allowing members of the hospital’s cleaning team to disinfect dozens of rooms per day, per robot. The hospital announced it is conducting a naming contest for its two robots, which are already disinfecting rooms throughout the hospital, including the emergency department, patient rooms and patient care areas, operating rooms, public restrooms, and offices.
The hospital added that the robot is part of the environmental services (EVS) team, and did not replace any employees. First the room is cleaned with visible dirt/fluids removed, trash is emptied, and linens are removed. Once the room is visually clean, the robot is brought in by an EVS team member to destroy microorganisms that may have been missed during the manual cleaning process.
More details on Xenex Disinfection Services can be found at its website.
Editor’s note: Robotics Data, a strategic partner of Robotics World, recently published a market report highlighting the top 60+ companies providing UVC disinfection robots, both autonomous and semi-autonomous. The report is available exclusively for Robotics World readers for $199 at the Robotics World website.
