Texas pet hospital deploys world's first novel handheld UV disinfection device

In a world where infection control is as important as ever, many practices are looking to technology to make their environment as safe as possible for patients, clients, and staff.

In Texas, Carrollton West Pet Hospital became the first veterinary hospital to incorporate a new product into their infection control protocols: Deactivate from Xenex Disinfection Services. The hospital’s employees are using the Deactivate device daily to disinfect exam rooms, the reception area and waiting room, offices, restrooms, and other areas of the building.

Deactivate is a handheld UV disinfection device that uses high-powered LEDs to create ultraviolet light that deactivates pathogens. According to the manufacturer, Deactivate is proven to destroy SARS-CoV-2 in 30 seconds at 1 meter^1, and MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in 1 minute at 1 meter². Deactivate does not require warm-up or cool-down time and does not leave behind any chemical residue. The disinfected area is then ready for use within minutes.

“Every time a customer leaves an exam room, we go in and quickly disinfect it with our Deactivate device before the next customer and their pet are admitted to that room,” said Ross Barnes, CEO of Carrollton West Pet Hospital.

"We also zap the waiting room several times a day. Our staff feels reassured about coming to work because they know we are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of germs within our facility. We are committed to taking care of our people, so they are able to provide the best care for our customers’ pets,” Barnes continued.

Carrollton West Pet Hospital is a modern wellness and surgical hospital that offers a wide range of services, including boarding, preventative care, surgery, and intensive medical care to a wide range of pets.

“We want to do everything possible to ensure that we’re providing our employees, customers, and their pets with the cleanest environment possible,” Barnes informed.

“Using the Deactivate device enables us to quickly destroy viruses and bacteria that we can’t see, but that could potentially transmit to a person or a pet. The Deactivate device works fast, is easy to use, and doesn’t leave behind a residue like most chemical disinfectants or sprayers,” he continued.

References

1. Simmons, S, et al., Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 1-4. doi:10.1017/ice.2020.399
2. Zeber, JE, et al., American Journal of Infection Control. 2018 Jun 1;46(6):668-73.