Sarah Bush Lincoln (Illinois) has deployed portable UV-C surface disinfection devices (UVCeed) to support routine hygiene on hard, non-porous touchpoints. This post shows where they fit in daily workflows, how staff use them, what the test data says, and how other facilities can pilot the same approach.
Why UV-C for hospital touchpoints
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High-touch items such as keyboards, handsets, badge fronts, and door pulls are handled hundreds of times per day.
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UV-C is fast for smooth, hard, non-porous surfaces, especially after visible soil is removed.
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It complements routine cleaning protocols. It does not replace hand hygiene or environmental services.
Where it fits at SBL (micro-workflows)
Nursing Stations
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Targets: keyboards, mice, desk phones and handsets, workstation-on-wheels handles, badge fronts and backs.
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Cadence: 30-60 seconds per station at shift start and shift end.
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Tip: go slow across keys and seams, flip the handset to cover cradle contact points.
Patient Intake and Discharge
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Targets: clipboards, pens, barcode scanners, card readers, wheelchair push handles and brake levers.
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Cadence: quick wipe if needed, then UV-C during bay reset between patients.
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Tip: rotate items to expose edges, hinges, and buttons.
Break Rooms
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Targets: fridge handles, microwave keypads, coffee levers, cabinet pulls.
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Cadence: part of the daily tidy, plus ad-hoc after heavy use.
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Tip: focus on seams and textured plastic around buttons.
How staff actually do it
General method
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Clean first if there is visible grime or residue.
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Aim close and steady with LEDs facing the surface, keep a slow, even pace.
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Rotate or flip items so every side gets light.
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Use guided dosing. UVCeed provides time and distance guidance in the app so staff know when they have delivered the target dose.
Estimated time
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5-10 seconds per small item such as a badge or phone.
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20-30 seconds for keyboards, phone handsets, or door hardware.
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30-60 seconds to complete a station sweep.
Test and data summary
*Independent lab testing on hard, non-porous surfaces for UVCeed showed:
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Staphylococcus aureus 99.9% reduction in about 15 seconds
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Escherichia coli 99.99% in about 24 seconds
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SARS-CoV-2 99.9% in about 32 seconds
Conducted at a fixed distance on smooth surfaces, using device-guided dose and time. Real-world results vary by distance, angle, surface type, and coverage. Full report can be provided on request.
Safety, policy, and compliance
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UV-C light should never be used on skin, eyes, or pets.
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Use on hard, non-porous items only. Fabrics and porous materials respond poorly.
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Adhere to your facility’s Infection Prevention policies.
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UVCeed includes aim detection and auto-off safety features to help reduce misuse.
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UV-C supports environmental services. It is not a sterilization method and is not a substitute for required cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Adoption plan for hospitals
1) Select high-yield areas
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Start with 2-3 touchpoint clusters such as nursing stations, intake desks, and break rooms.
2) Create simple micro-SOPs
Example SOP snippet for nursing stations:
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Clean visible soil if present, then UV-C the keyboard, mouse, phone handset and cradle, badge front and back, and the workstation handle.
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Move slowly, maintain close distance, follow the app timer.
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Log completion on the unit checklist at shift start and end.
3) Train with micro-drills
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Five-minute in-service that covers distance, pace, and coverage of seams and edges.
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Use a checklist card clipped to the workstation.
4) Measure and iterate
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Option A: time-and-motion checks to keep the routine under 60 seconds per station.
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Option B: spot checks with ATP or other surface hygiene indicators before and after.
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Capture staff feedback after week one, then adjust cadence and item list.
Frequently asked questions
Does UV-C replace wipes or sprays?
No. Clean first if needed. UV-C is an added layer for fast, frequent touchpoint hygiene.
Will it damage plastics or keyboards?
The short dosing used for routine touchpoints is designed for common hard plastics and metals. Always follow manufacturer guidance for sensitive materials and screens.
What about textured or porous surfaces?
UV-C is most effective on smooth, non-porous surfaces. For textured or porous items, use standard cleaning methods per policy.
How do we ensure consistent dosing?
Use a device with guided dosing and safety features. UVCeed provides on-screen cues for distance and time so staff are not guessing.
Implementation checklist
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Identify 2-3 pilot areas and target items
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Draft micro-SOPs with specific item lists
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Deliver 5-10 minute staff training with live demo
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Post quick-reference cards at each station
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Run a one-week pilot with simple logging
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Review time, coverage, and any ATP spot checks
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Adjust cadence, expand to additional touchpoints
Closing
Thank you to the team at Sarah Bush Lincoln for sharing practical, day-to-day use of portable UV-C on the floor.
