Several hospitals in the New York City area have implemented high-tech robots costing $100,000 each to combat a drug-resistant fungus that has been rapidly spreading across the country. The Xenex UV LightingStrike Robots have shown an impressive 99% success rate in halting the spread of Candida auris, a dangerous drug-resistant fungus that was first discovered in Japan in 2009, according to a study conducted by Netcare Hospitals.
Candida auris poses a severe threat, given its potential to lead to fatal infections like sepsis if it enters the bloodstream. Xenex Disinfection Services, the company behind these robots, has revealed that they have deployed disinfecting robots not only in various local hospitals but also in more than 130 veterans hospitals throughout the nation. The company sought approval from the Federal Drug Administration earlier this year for these innovative devices, which utilize xenon light – a type of light commonly found in vehicle headlights.
Compared to traditional UV bulbs, the xenon light used in the robots is 4,300 times more potent and is able to eliminate germs more rapidly. Morris Miller, the CEO of Xenex Disinfection Services, likened the difference in effectiveness between the two to that of a Porsche versus a Ford Model A. Hospitals such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, North Shore University Hospital, and Phelps Memorial Hospital have already started using these robots in their facilities to combat the spread of pathogens.
Miller mentioned that the robots were developed by two epidemiologists and have the capability to disinfect a hospital room within approximately 10 minutes. Dr. Donna Armellino, an infection prevention specialist at Northwell Health, emphasized that these UV devices, including the Xenex robots and devices from Leviant Inc, are used in conjunction with traditional cleaning methods. She highlighted their use in neonatal intensive care units and noted that there is still much to learn about the optimal use of these devices, as the federal government has yet to establish standards regarding UV devices.
Armellino stressed the need for more research and controlled studies to further understand the effectiveness and best practices for utilizing UV devices in healthcare settings. The use of advanced technology such as the Xenex UV LightingStrike Robots underscores the ongoing efforts within the healthcare industry to combat the threat of drug-resistant infections and enhance patient safety.
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