Indigo-Clean is a new light that is capable of killing bacteria. Used in a healthcare settings, the device could help prevent the spread of dangerous microorganisms, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans.
Bacteria in the air absorb the indigo-colored light, which then creates a chemical reaction within the microorganism. This creates an environment that acts like bleach, killing the microscopic lifeform, reports Tech Times.
The new bacteria-killing light was introduced to the public at an annual meeting of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. The device was first constructed in 2008 and has undergone real-world testing at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Health professionals have noted the effectiveness of the light at killing bacteria that could otherwise spread to patients.
“This technology has proved effective in killing bacteria in hospital settings. Breaking the chain of infection, from an infected patient, to the environment, to new patient, is vitally important, and the ability of this technology to be in use and effective at all times will make a huge difference,” said Cliff Yahnke, director of clinical affairs at Kenall Manufacturing, inventors of the device.
Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) pose major challenges for healthcare workers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around four percent of people admitted to hospitals contracted one or more HAIs during their stay.
Each year, HAIs are responsible for 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths across the US.
