Autonomous UV-C Robotic Disinfection for CT Suites: Efficacy, Safety, and Protocol Development
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This study developed and evaluated an autonomous UV-C robotic disinfection system for computed tomography (CT) examination rooms, assessing microbial inactivation efficacy and operational safety using bacterial and viral surrogates. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and bacteriophage were used as surrogates. The UV-C robot, equipped with eight low-pressure mercury lamps (36 W, 254 nm), was tested in two phases: localized irradiation at exposure times of 2-8 minutes and whole-room disinfection across five critical surfaces during a 21-minute operational cycle. Residual ozone concentrations were continuously monitored throughout all trials. The UV-C robot achieved complete inactivation of bacteriophages within 4 minutes and a greater than 99.99% reduction (>4 log) in Staphylococcus aureus colony counts at the same exposure time. Ozone concentrations remained consistently below occupational exposure limits (maximum 0.0043 ppm vs. OSHA limit of 0.1 ppm) throughout all trials. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of autonomous UV-C robotic disinfection specifically designed for CT suite geometries, integrating both efficacy testing and real-time safety monitoring. The findings establish evidence-based protocols for implementing UV-C robotic disinfection in diagnostic imaging departments and support the clinical feasibility of such systems as adjuncts to standard infection control practices.
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