Killing Germs Goes High Tech at University Hospital
New Germ-Zapping Robots, Developed and Built in San Antonio, Use Ultraviolet Rays 25,000 times More Powerful Than Sunlight to Disinfect
BACKGROUND: It’s been called a germ-zapping robot — and there’s a passing resemblance to Star Wars’ R2D2 if you squint your eyes. Now, University Health will implement this new San Antonio-based technology to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections. It uses powerful ultraviolet light pulses to kill dangerous microorganisms that could remain in patient rooms despite rigorous traditional cleaning.
WHAT: The Xenex room disinfection system, a mobile device that kills germs in minutes using powerful ultraviolet rays, will be demonstrated in the Surgical Trauma ICU at University Hospital.
WHO: Dr. Jason Bowling, infection disease specialist at UT Medicine and staff epidemiologist at University Hospital; Rachael Sparks, technical director at Xenex
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15.
WHERE: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Meet at the Emergency Center entrance off of Merton Minter 15 minutes early for escort to demonstration.
RSVP by calling 358-2335, or emailing Donald.Finley@uhtx.com. Parking for news media may be available in the Emergency Center parking lot. If not, additional parking is available in the West Parking Garage.
