Environmental Impact of a Novel UV-C Disinfection Machine for Non-Channel Flexible Laryngoscopes.

OBJECTIVES: Infection prevention in hospitals is a highly discussed and regulated process for endoscopy in Otolaryngology. The current standard for endoscopes involves high level disinfection (HLD). The UV-SMART D60 disinfection machine utilizes Impelux UV-C light technology. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of the D60 machine within an otolaryngology department in comparison to current HLD protocols. METHODS: Three equipment, materials, and disposables audits were conducted where the turnover and HLD process of a single non-channeled laryngoscope was analyzed. Every item involved in the cleaning process was documented for both standard HLD and D60 workflows. Water quantity was documented and a power meter was used to determine the wattage of the machinery used. Additionally, scope turnover time was documented and CO2 emissions were calculated from known quantities. RESULTS: Results demonstrated a significant reduction in material usage with the D60 including reduced PPE. The total water usage was about 45 L more per scope for traditional HLD. Power analysis demonstrated a reduction of 250 watts per scope. Additionally, the D60 reduced CO2 emissions by over a factor of 3500. Scope turnover time was 109 min less for the D60. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental analysis demonstrates a significant amount of usage of disposables, water, and energy per non-channeled nasolaryngoscope with current HLD protocols. UV-C HLD resulted in less consumption of these resources. The marked reduction in turnover time and scope handling represents a significant opportunity for clinical efficiency, cost reduction, and resource consumption and will merit further investigation when FDA approval is granted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.