A Key Player in Combatting COVID-19

Hospital Authority of Miller County (HAMC) invested in LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot, a product of Xenex Disinfection Services, about three years ago. HAMC initially used this Germ-Zapping Robot, better known as “Douglas,” in our Operating Room / Surgery Department. Recently, however, this machine has become an essential component in our infectious disease prevention plan, and specifically to thoroughly disinfect rooms and other high traffic areas due to COVID.

Research, testing and other scientific evidence from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, show this machine is the first and only ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology proven to deactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

According to Xenex Disinfection Services, “Xenex Germ-Zapping Robots™ use a xenon lamp to generate bursts of high intensity, full germicidal spectrum (200-315nm) UVC light that’s more intense than sunlight. Different pathogens are susceptible to UVC light at different wavelengths; with full germicidal spectrum light, Xenex LightStrike robots quickly deactivate viruses, bacteria and spores where they are most vulnerable without damaging hospital materials or equipment.”

While HAMC facilities always adhere to strict infection control and disinfection standards, we are grateful to have this technology during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for quick and effective disinfection is a priority.