Germicidal UVC Lights Improve Clinical Pregnancy Rates for IVF Lab, New Study Finds

Bethlehem, Pa., September 2008 – A seven and a half-year study conducted in the In Vitro Fertilisation Cleanroom Laboratory of the Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network found that the use of ultraviolet C or “UVC” lights installed in the HVAC system had a clinically significant impact on clinical pregnancy rates (CPR). In presenting the findings at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), Kathryn C. Worrilow, Ph.D. reported that the + beta and CPR increased by an average of  17.8% and 18.2%, respectively,  following 10 of the 13 change-outs of the Steril-Aire UVC Emitters™ over the test period. SIGNIFICANT CLINICAL  IMPACT   SUCCESS DEPENDENT ON CLEAN AMBIENT AIR Clinical success in an IVF lab is critically dependent upon the quality of the ambient air, which in turn, is directly dependent upon the HVAC system. The study led by Dr. Worrilow tracked three key components in the HVAC system – particulate filters, gas phase filters and UVC lights – and the timing of their replacement - to determine whether these individual components affected markers of pre-implantation embryogenesis and clinical pregnancy rates.  According to the findings, “There were no statistically significant differences… associated with the replacement of the particulate or gas phase filters in Testing Quarters 1-48. In contrast, immediately following 10 of the 13 UVC Emitter change-outs, the + beta hCG and clinical pregnancy rates increased 17.8% and 18.2%, respectively.” The study goes on to say: “UVC energy will destroy 90 – 99% of airborne microbial contaminants.  By targeting the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, UVC degrades and abates the proliferation of airborne and surface embryotoxic organics. Of equal significance to the developing embryo is the suggested impact of UVC irradiation on the degradation of VOCs.  Our work has demonstrated that VOC levels as low as 2.2 ppb can be embryotoxic to the embryo cultured in vitro.” UVC IN HVAC PLAYS CRITICAL ROLE IN IMPROVED CLINICAL OUTCOMES The authors conclude: “Although the use of UVC light represents a departure from the standard HVAC design used in many IVF laboratories, the current study suggests that the use of UVC germicidal technology in the HVAC system serving the IVF laboratory may play a critical role in providing optimal ambient air towards improved clinical outcomes. The current study demonstrated that a clinically significant relationship existed between the replacement of the UVC Emitters and the associated clinical pregnancy rates.” Robert Scheir, Ph.D., president of Steril-Aire, Inc., states: “This new data provides scientific evidence of the germicidal benefits of UVC technology. The potential benefits are far-reaching: not only for the potential to improve CPR in IVF clinics, but also for enhancing infection control in hospitals and healthcare environments, and for maintaining better ambient air in medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing clean rooms.” Scheir adds: “The study also confirms the importance of adequate UVC output and changeout frequency in achieving desired results. The study used high-output Steril-Aire UVC lamps with a changeout schedule of 6-9 months. In the 3 of 13 UVC replacement test quarters that did not result in improved clinical pregnancy rates, outside factors may have played a role in the outcomes. As long as the lamps were functioning properly and were changed on schedule, results were consistently positive. The message to anyone using UVC is that it is critical to select a device with adequate output and to replace the device consistently at required intervals to maintain that output. Otherwise, germicidal effectiveness will be diminished.”

 

Our UVGI (Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation) systems kill up to 99.9% of viruses & bacteria including: Colds.Flu (including Avian Flu), TB, SARs, MRSA, Whooping Cough. .....and many more before they are breathed in by building occupants.

UVGI is a prophylactic barrier.

The use of UV radiation to prevent DNA and RNA from being able to replicate is not something that a micro-organism can adapt to and circumvent. Of course, certain organisms are more resistant to UV
and take a larger dose for inactivation (e.g. spores). However, an organism's susceptibility to UV doesn't change or grow more resistant. Once engineers know the dose needed to inactivate a micro-organism, UV systems can be designed with sufficient exposure to get the job
done.

A greater understanding of the airborne transmission of MRSA, once thought of as being a strictly surface contaminant, has led to an increasing need for the installation of effective and highly efficient airborne germicidal barrier technology.

Our range of UVGI Emitter™ technology from Steril Aire, the worlds leader has been specifically designed to provide such a barrier. Killing all airborne micro-organisms including MRSA, it helps prevent cross contamination in hospitals, offering protection to large sites through ducted air conditioning systems. Cost effective because we not only provide a virus and bacteria barrier but the implementation of our systems actually reduces the energy overhead of a/c systems and pays for itself in 12 months. It can be retrofitted into existing systems

Integral to the Steril Aire range is the use of ultraviolet C band light which irreparably damages micro-organisms as they enter the ventilation system, ensuring they are no longer able to maintain metabolism or reproduce.

Central to our ability to eliminate the possibility of micro-organisms re-entering the air, is its ability to automatically self clean maintaining the Emitters'™ free from dust and fouling.