Discover how UV-C and Far-UVC technology help hospitals prevent infections, reduce Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), and enhance patient safety with continuous disinfection.
Quick Summary: What You Need to Know
Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are more than clinical issues, they’re a global health crisis. Behind every preventable infection is a delayed recovery, a strained care team, or a family living with avoidable trauma. Despite best efforts, traditional cleaning methods often fall short. We need more than compliance, we need innovation.
That’s where UV-C and Far-UVC technologies come in, delivering consistent, science-backed protection that strengthens infection prevention and control (IPC) across healthcare systems.
Every day, 1 in 31 patients in U.S. hospitals develops at least one HAI (CDC). These infections lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and, in far too many cases, avoidable deaths.
Globally, the numbers are equally alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 7 in every 100 hospitalized patients in high-income countries and up to 15 in 100 in low- and middle-income countries contract at least one nosocomial infection. These infections are not just a threat, they are a daily reality.
In the United States alone, an estimated 687,000 HAIs occurred in acute care hospitals in 2015, resulting in approximately 72,000 deaths (CDC).
Adding to the urgency is the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In 2019, 1.27 million deaths were directly attributed to bacterial AMR, with 4.95 million more deaths associated with it globally, according to the World Health Organization. Without effective solutions, AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
The economic toll is just as staggering. The World Bank Group warns that unchecked AMR could shrink the global GDP by 3.8% annually and push 28 million people into poverty by 2050.
Despite best efforts, traditional disinfection and terminal cleaning protocols are falling short. Hospitals are under immense pressure, and the current methods often cannot keep up.
Here are the key limitations:
What hospitals need is a method that fills these gaps, without introducing new risks or burdens.
UV-C light, which operates between 200–280 nanometers, damages the DNA and RNA of pathogens, preventing replication and effectively neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Research from the NIH shows that UV-C can eliminate 99.9% of pathogens on high-touch surfaces and in the air. It is chemical-free, residue-free, and fast, making it a preferred choice for progressive hospitals.
When added to HAI disinfection strategies, UV-C has been shown to significantly reduce infection rates. Integrated into terminal cleaning protocols, it becomes a powerful supplement that delivers consistent results every time.
Far-UVC light, specifically at 222 nm, has been proven to effectively inactivate a wide range of pathogens, while remaining safe for human exposure. This means it can be used even in occupied rooms, allowing continuous real-time disinfection without disrupting daily workflows.
Research from Columbia University shows that Far-UVC is effective against airborne viruses like influenza and coronaviruses without penetrating the skin or eyes. It solves one of the biggest shortcomings in traditional infection control, protecting against airborne transmission.
Far-UVC elevates disinfection from a scheduled event to a continuous safeguard, turning passive spaces like waiting rooms and ICUs into actively protected zones.
Hospitals are under pressure not only from evolving pathogens but also from compliance bodies like The Joint Commission, CMS, and insurers who now tie reimbursement to patient outcomes and infection control performance.
UV-C and Far-UVC disinfection systems offer a unique advantage. They are:
At H7 Technologies, infection prevention is approached with a deep understanding of both engineering excellence and clinical realities. Our patented product, SURYA II™, is the world's first mobile disinfection device that utilizes Far-UVC light to effectively inactivate airborne and surface pathogens in real-time, even in occupied spaces. This technology is designed to operate safely around humans, offering continuous protection without workflow disruption.
Developed in collaboration with infection control professionals, UV-C experts, and engineers specializing in environmental safety, SURYA II™:
SURYA II™ represents a significant advancement in disinfection technology, providing a sustainable and effective solution to reduce HAIs and promote a safer environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Learn more about SURYA II™ and use cases.
With mounting pressures, the healthcare system cannot afford to stick with outdated and harmful disinfection methods. The future of infection prevention in hospitals lies in technology that’s proactive, precise, and safe.
UV-C and Far-UVC technologies are now becoming essential in reducing hospital-acquired infections, combating antimicrobial resistance, and protecting everyone who walks through hospital doors.
For facilities that want to lead, not lag, H7’s SURYA II™ offers a solution that’s already changing outcomes.
Book a consultation to see how SURYA II™ fits your facility.
The cost of inaction is too high. With UV-C and Far UV-C technologies, hospitals have the power to reduce healthcare infections, elevate patient safety, and win the fight against nosocomial infections.
H7 Technologies is proud to lead this mission with purpose, innovation, and a commitment to saving lives.
Explore how SURYA II™ can transform your infection prevention strategy, because lives depend on it.
Let’s create safer spaces. Together.
Traditional UV-C light operates between 200–280 nm and is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but is typically only used in unoccupied rooms due to safety concerns.
Far UV-C operates at 222 nm and is safe for human exposure, making it suitable for continuous use in occupied spaces.
Traditional UV-C light requires rooms to be vacant during operation due to risks to the skin and eyes. However, Far UV-C, used in SURYA II™, has been proven safe for human exposure, allowing real-time disinfection without health risks.
SURYA II™ uses Far UV-C light to disinfect both surfaces and air. It operates continuously, filling in the gaps left by manual cleaning and significantly reducing the risk of pathogen transmission in high-risk hospital zones.
No. UV-C systems are not a replacement but a critical enhancement to traditional cleaning. It adds an automated, effective, and consistent layer of disinfection, especially valuable for hard-to-reach areas.
Yes. By effectively killing pathogens without using antibiotics or chemical disinfectants, UV-C reduces the selective pressure that contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
Disinfection times vary based on room size and light intensity, but UV-C systems like SURYA II™ can begin killing pathogens in a matter of seconds and complete air and surface disinfection within minutes.
Yes. UV-C and Far UV-C disinfection systems are chemical-free, energy-efficient, and leave no residues, offering a clean, sustainable solution for infection prevention and control (IPC).
SURYA II™ is designed for easy integration into existing workflows. It can be installed in high-traffic zones, surgical suites, ICUs, and even common areas without interrupting daily operations.
