Reviewed by Clare Marlin MS, RN, CIC; Brain Innovation Center, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Robots are unique in the cleaning process within the hospital setting because they can be programmed to target specific areas within an environment. Additionally, using a robot for disinfection may produce more consistent results than traditional disinfection agents and processes.
Rwanda has endured a recent outbreak of the highly fatal Marburg virus disease (MVD). MVD is a viral hemorrhagic fever illness spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids or indirectly via contaminated surfaces. The virus can survive on surfaces up to five days and continue to cause infection. Researchers sought to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing traditional disinfectants (i.e. chlorine or alcohol-based) partnered with disinfection utilizing an ultraviolet (UV)-C light environmental decontamination robot.
After patients treated for MVD were discharged, multiple hospital environments and devices utilized in the care of the patients were swabbed for viral samples and tested for Marburg virus by RT-PCR. Thirteen surfaces were positive for the virus including the floor, walls, and bed area.
Following application of chemical disinfectants for 24 hours, additional swabs were collected and indicated 11 of the 13 surfaces sampled were decontaminated. The samples not decontaminated by the chemical disinfectants included those of an infusion pump and coagulation analyzer. Such surfaces were then exposed to a UV-C light emitting robot (THOR UV System) and a final set of swabs collected indicated decontamination was attained. The researchers attribute the potential for dried blood spots or design of the pump and analyzer for reasons the items were not disinfected by the chemicals.
Looking forward, the team identifies the use of a UV-C light emitting robot as a potential method to preserve the reuse of devices in resource limited settings.
Reference:
Uwayo, H. D., Gahamanyi, N., … Muvunyi, C. M. (2025). Use of robot technology for decontaminating Marburg virus-exposed environments in Rwanda: A promising tool for managing outbreaks in resource-limited settings. American Journal of Infection Control, 53, 1080–1084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2025.05.018