Lehigh Valley Expands Fleet of Superbug-Slaying Robots

ALLENTOWN, Pa., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lehigh Valley Health Network has announced the deployment of two additional TRU-D SmartUVC^TM devices, adding to its existing arsenal of five 5-foot-5 germ-killing UV disinfection robots. With seven devices taking up residence within the network, LVHN is now deploying the largest fleet of TRU-Ds in the U.S. to proactively combat superbugs and provide the best possible patient care available.

Short for Total Room Ultraviolet Disinfector, TRU-D – the signature product of Memphis-based Lumalier – is the only portable UV disinfection system on the market that precisely measures reflected UV-C emissions with Sensor360™ to automatically calculate the pathogen-lethal UV dose required for proper and consistent disinfection of health care environments. LVHN was an early adopter of the technology, receiving TRU-D No. 1 in 2008.

"We had isolated clusters of infection in our burn unit and ICU," said Terry Burger, director of infection control and prevention at LVHN. "Disinfecting the rooms with TRU-D halted both clusters. Since then, we have requested funds to expand the use of this technology in our facilities. Our mission is to heal, comfort and care for the people of our community and to maintain a safe environment for our patients."

Health care-associated infections and the superbugs behind them (Clostridium difficile, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, just to name a few) have become a major challenge for today's health care networks. HAIs have been tied to an estimated 99,000 deaths each year and represent an estimated $30 billion a year in medical costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UV disinfection technology is an attractive option for hospitals to include in their comprehensive cleaning and disinfection programs, as TRU-D reduces the possibility of human error and takes the guesswork out of determining whether a patient room or surgery suite is completely disinfected and ready for the next patient.

"TRU-D SmartUVC can achieve 99.99 percent disinfection of bacteria and spores," said Bob Taylor, sales director of TRU-D LLC. "Germicidal light energy generated by TRU-D modifies the DNA structure of an infectious cell so it cannot reproduce, and a cell that cannot reproduce cannot colonize and cannot harm us. It's certainly breakthrough technology that enhances patient care."

LVHN deploys TRU-D to disinfect rooms following a Clostridium difficile infected patient and on a rotational basis in all operating rooms. Plus, TRU-D is used to target infection clusters anywhere in the hospital.

After a hospital staff member cleans the room using traditional methods, TRU-D is rolled into the room to "finish the job." Setup is fast and easy and does not require input of room measurements or covering of windows and vents. The machine is turned on from outside the room using a handheld remote. From a single placement near the center of the room, its patented Sensor360™ technology instantly analyzes the unique contents, shape and size of the room, then floods the targeted space (both line-of-site and shadowed spaces) with the proper dose of germicidal energy. TRU-D spends whatever time is necessary (usually 20 to 35 minutes) to confidently eliminate infectious germs from contaminated surfaces before shutting down and audibly notifying the operator that disinfection is complete.

Bearing the marks of both ETL and UL safety ratings, TRU-D is proven to be a completely safe system. Results of TRU-D have been supported by multiple independent peer-reviewed studies conducted by leading authorities in infection control and epidemiology. There are currently more than 100 TRU-Ds deployed in hospitals and medical facilities across the U.S. and Canada. For information about TRU-D, visit www.TRU-D.com.

About Lehigh Valley Health Network

Lehigh Valley Health Network includes three hospital facilities − two in Allentown and one in Bethlehem, Pa.; nine health centers caring for communities in four counties; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices throughout the region; pharmacy, imaging, home health services and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Visit www.lvhn.org to learn more.

For more information, contact:
Kerri Guyton
Obsidian Public Relations
Phone: 662-422-8012
Email                      

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SOURCE Lumalier