The gene therapy research community is turning to a novel technology to keep their lab free from contamination. Gene therapy research labs require extremely high standards for cleanliness. Traditionally researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) relied on manual surface cleaning using caustic chemicals to meet those standards. Managers at the Gene Transfer and Somatic Cell Engineering Facility were looking for an alternative because the existing cleaning procedure is labor intensive, costly and yields mixed results.
A VIGILAIR® Room Surface Sterilization System (RSS) was installed in the lab to determine its efficacy in reducing microorganisms that could contaminate the work area. Separate tests by MSKCC and VIGILAIR® showed the RSS system provided a 5 log or greater reduction on target pathogens.
RSS uses Ultraviolet energy (UV-C) to deactivate microorganisms that contaminate surfaces. UV-C emitters are strategically placed to bathe the entire lab with germicidal UV-C energy. RSS features sophisticated controls that turn off the emitters when a predetermined UV dose is achieved. The system also prevents lab workers from being accidentally exposed to UV.
“The testing results are very encouraging, “ says VIGILAIR Systems Inc. President Peter Bjorkman. “The results clearly demonstrate that our UV technology is a safe and cost effective alternative to manual cleaning.”
