UVC DOSIMETERS

How UVC Dosimeters Work

When exposed to specific ultraviolet wavelengths, the yellow indicator area on UVC Dosimeters will visibly change color to indicate an accumulated dose of germicidal irradiation.

UVC Dosimeters help users see if surfaces have received enough energy to kill viruses, bacteria and spores. Delivering a sufficient dose of UV-C is vital to effectively sanitize surfaces, which is why color-changing dosimeters are such an important part of the disinfection process.

How much UV-C is needed to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID19?
A study conducted by a team of researchers at Boston University determined that a dose of 22 mJ/cm² of UV-C irradiation achieved a 6-log or 99.9999% reduction of SARS-CoV-2. Using UVC Dosimeters with every disinfection cycle enables you to truly SEE if you’ve reached your target dose. For more on the study, click here.

If you want to learn more about specific pathogens and the UV-C dose needed for inactivation, click here.

Many questions can be answered by the video below and our FAQs listed below.

If you have a specific question, please click the Contact button or email info@intellego-technlogies.com.

UVC dosimeter color change demo

Available in standard and custom formats, UVC Dosimeters have an adhesive backing and can be placed on surfaces or adjacent to equipment that will be disinfected with ultraviolet irradiation.

With exposure, the patented UV-sensitive material change from yellow to orange to pink, which can be correlated to a 3-log reduction of MRSA and C.diff.

Click here to see the study.

HOW IT WORKS

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A UVC DOSIMETER?

UVC Dosimeters are colorimetric indicators that visibly demonstrate an accumulated dose of UV-C energy. When exposed to ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), the patented photochromatic ink changes color based on the amount of accumulated dose (fluence) of UV-C that is delivered.

HOW MUCH UV-C IS NEEDED TO KILL PATHOGENS?

All pathogens contain either DNA or RNA which is damaged by exposure to UV-C. Numerous studies have been done to determine the fluence (also called UV dose) needed to inactivate specific microorganisms. To review the summary of research, click to download Fluence (UV dose) Required to Achieve Incremental Log Reduction of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses and Algae.

ARE YOUR UVC DOSIMETERS VALIDATED?

Yes. UVC Dosimeters are made with a patented technology owned by Intellego Technologies. Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) has validated and confirmed the products’ photochromic material at various UV-C wavelengths (222 nm, 254 nm, 265 nm and 278 nm) and have verified the color change at specific doses levels.

To view the RISE report for UVC Dosimeters tested at 222 nm, click here.

To view the RISE report for UVC Dosimeters tested at 254 nm, click here.

To view the RISE report for UVC Dosimeters tested at 265 nm, click here.

To view the RISE report for UVC Dosimeters tested at 278 nm, click here.

Our UVC Dosimeters have been tested by leading U.S. researchers, with results presented at ID Week 2019. In the study, Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) Monitoring Made Ridiculously Simple: UV-C Dose Indicators for Convenient Measurement of UV-C Dosing, results showed that the our UVC Dosimeter’s color change from starting yellow to orange and deep pink correlated to a 3-log (99.9%) reduction of MRSA and C. Diff. Click here to view the report.

HOW DO UVC DOSIMETERS HELP THE DISINFECTION PROCESS?

UVC Dosimeters help users visibly confirm:

1. if the appropriate dose of UVGI is achieved to kill targeted pathogens

2. if the UV-C disinfection system is placed properly and reaches all intended surfaces.

3. If the UV-C bulbs are working properly or if they require maintenance or replacement

WHY IS A UVC DOSIMETER NECESSARY?

UV-C disinfection is an invisible process that requires visible validation. Having a simple, easy, 3rd-party tool to visually confirm that an adequate dose of UVGI has been delivered to surfaces can help reduce rates of HAIs and can contribute to healthier, safer environments. Using UVC Dosimeters with every UV-C disinfection cycle provides facilities with a tangible record of compliance and is in line with CDC and FDA recommendations of quality assurance practices for disinfection.

1https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/sterilization/sterilizing-practices.html  https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/faqs/monitoring.html
2 https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/inspection-guides/sterilization-process-controls

HOW CAN A UVC DOSIMETER SAVE TIME & MONEY?

UVC Dosimeters are trusted by the world’s leading UV-C manufacturers who use the products as an independent validation tool for UV-C disinfection effectiveness, user-efficiency and cost-savings. For instance, one hospital found that they were able to reduce their UV-C disinfection run-time by 50% by using UVC Dosimeters. The color-change indicated that the target surfaces had received the appropriate dose of UVGI faster than anticipated. This enabled the staff to more quickly complete the terminal cleaning process and treat additional areas with UVGI.

DO UVC DOSIMETERS WORK WITH ANY UV-C DISINFECTION SYSTEM?

UVC Dosimeters are designed to react to applied UV-C energy in the ranges of 254 nm (low-pressure mercury vapor systems), 260-280 nm (UV-C LED) and Far UV-C (222 nm).  To see the growing list of UV-C manufacturers who use our UVC Dosimeters, click here.

What is UV-C and How Does it Kill Pathogens?

UV-C is part of the invisible ultraviolet spectrum with wavelengths in the range of 200 – 280 nanometers (nm). UV-C is the wavelength that is proven to be most effective for germicidal disinfection. Although UV-C is naturally produced by the sun, it’s absorbed by the ozone layer so it doesn’t reach earth like UV-A and UV-B. In order to use UV-C for germicidal irradiation, it is artificially produced through a variety of sources including low-pressure mercury vapor lamps, LED devices, excimer lamps and pulsed xenon. 

UVC disinfection light explainer graphic

When bacteria, viruses, spores and mold are exposed to UV-C energy, it damages the molecular structure (DNA/RNA) which results in cellular death and/or viral inactivation.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) has been used since the 1950s as a successful, chemical-free method to kill pathogens on surfaces, in air and in water.

UVC is effective against bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi. In June 2020, test results from Signify and Boston University showed that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be inactivated by UV-C in ~25 seconds with a dose of 22 mJ/cm2.