Uvisan’s smallest full-power UV-C cabinet, disinfect and charge up to two headsets.
Cleanroom™ Whole-room, safe, programmable disinfection, in just 10 minutes.
Uvisan’s smallest full-power UV-C cabinet, disinfect and charge up to two headsets.
Cleanroom™ Whole-room, safe, programmable disinfection, in just 10 minutes.
Healthcare organisations are continually pressured to strengthen infection prevention while keeping services running smoothly. Shared devices, staff shortages, increased patient throughput and heightened expectations around hygiene make environmental disinfection more challenging than ever.
UV-C technology is now a standard component of infection prevention strategies, and it is no wonder. However, not all systems are created equal, and choosing the right solution is more than a comparison of specifications or cycle times.
If you are an infection prevention specialist, estates manager, procurement lead or part of the facilities team, asking the right questions before you invest will help ensure the technology delivers real operational value and supports regulatory compliance and patient safety.
UV-C should never be used as a substitute for existing cleaning protocols. Public health guidance always recommends a layered approach, including manual cleaning, environmental controls, ventilation when appropriate, staff training and the right disinfection technologies.
When organisations review UV disinfection healthcare solutions, the goal should be to find equipment that integrates well into existing workflows, rather than adding more complexity.
The following questions can guide conversations with manufacturers and internal stakeholders before any purchasing decision is made.
The first question should always be one of regulatory compliance. If the equipment will be used in different locations and for different purposes, then different regulatory requirements may apply. Certifications for electrical safety, photobiological safety and manufacturing standards are also important for enclosed cabinet systems intended for the disinfection of shared equipment.
Some UV-C devices intended to reduce the number of microbes on surfaces of medical devices in healthcare settings might require specific regulatory clearance before marketing. Instead of taking marketing claims at face value, ask the manufacturers:
Terms such as “kills 99.99%” are often seen in the industry, but real procurement decisions must always be based on independently verified evidence. Ask whether testing has been done by accredited laboratories and whether the manufacturer can explain:
Good manufacturers are upfront about what their products will and won’t do. For example, Uvisan’s systems are laboratory-tested for disinfection performance while delivering calibrated UV-C doses in controlled cycles. Our approach is explained in more detail within our guide to How UV-C Disinfection Enhances Infection Control in Healthcare Settings.
This question often helps you determine whether a given technology is a good fit for your environment.
One of the most common technical questions around UV-C is about shadowing. UV-C has a line-of-sight action. If the system has not been designed properly, areas behind handles, cables or complex shapes may not be sufficiently exposed. Manufacturers should be able to describe how they clearly mitigate this challenge through cabinet design, reflector placement and validated operating cycles.
Don’t assume all UV-C systems are the same. Ask how the product has been engineered to provide consistent coverage across commonly disinfected equipment. Enclosed cabinets, well designed, optimise the distribution of light within and use proven exposure times to improve consistency over a broad range of shared devices.
Technology only works if employees are comfortable using it properly. Complex operating procedures often lead to poor compliance over time, especially in busy departments where every minute matters.
Simple, automated systems are more likely to be used consistently than complex systems that require a complicated setup or specialised knowledge. The Uvisan cabinets are designed for ease of use, enabling the user to load the equipment, start the cycle and continue to work while the disinfection is in progress. It may be worth asking your supplier:
Like any specialist equipment, UV-C systems will require periodic maintenance to continue to deliver validated performance. Invest in equipment from a responsive manufacturer to reduce downtime and protect your investment for years to come. Maintenance requirements directly affect operational costs and long-term reliability. Before purchasing, understand:
Successful implementation rarely occurs through procurement alone. Before new disinfection technologies are introduced, many healthcare organisations involve infection prevention specialists, estates teams, environmental services, clinical users and senior management.
The collaborative approach often results in a more seamless implementation and greater buy-in across departments in the long term. Early involvement enables stakeholders to discuss clinical evidence, safety procedures, workflow integration, staff responsibilities, and governance requirements
Buying technology is just the start. Healthcare organisations should also think about how they will measure, use, and show ongoing value. Many organisations also measure equipment utilisation and other, broader, infection prevention metrics to enable continuous improvement. Automated cycle records and reporting features also make it much easier to prove compliance during audits. Some useful questions are:
Even the most effective technology can struggle if it interrupts established routines. UV-C should complement, not replace, manual cleaning. Disinfection only can be performed after visible contamination has been eliminated and existing hygiene procedures are still required.
The best systems work seamlessly into existing workflows. For example, shared devices can be placed in an enclosed cabinet between users while charging, allowing them to quickly return to service without chemical residues or long drying times.
Such an approach can be especially useful for healthcare organisations that procure simulation equipment, VR therapy devices and shared technology. Explore the range of UV-C cabinets from Uvisan and learn how to combine charging, storage and disinfection in one workflow.
A cabinet intended for shared electronic devices should not automatically be assumed suitable for room disinfection, just as an upper-room UV germicidal installation serves a completely different purpose from an enclosed equipment cabinet. One of the easiest ways to maximise effectiveness, while at the same time reducing unnecessary operational risks, is to select technology appropriate to its intended application. Before purchasing, ask manufacturers:
Furthermore, healthcare facilities benefit from assessing broader infection prevention planning during periods of heightened seasonal illness. Uvisan’s Managing Infection Risk During Seasonal Outbreaks: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Facilities explores how UV-C can support wider infection control strategies in combination with established hygiene practices.
When considering the introduction of UV-C into a healthcare environment, this should be a carefully considered decision and not one based on the latest technology fad. Asking informed questions about regulation, clinical evidence, workflow integration, maintenance, staff training, and long-term governance places organisations in a much stronger position to select systems that really do enhance operational efficiency whilst supporting robust infection prevention.
If you are thinking about UV-C for your healthcare facility and would like expert advice on choosing the right solution, contact the Uvisan team to discuss your requirements and find the most suitable options for your environment.
Uvisan Limited
Kingswood House South Road
Bristol BS15 8JF