Bactericidal Lamps in Pediatric Medical Facilities

Children's hospitals, clinics, and outpatient clinics treat young patients every day whose immune systems are still developing and are not always able to fight off infections. That is why disinfecting the premises in such institutions is a critically important procedure. Bactericidal lamps are one of the most effective tools in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms, but when using them, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules of operation. We will tell you how to use bactericidal lamps correctly in children's medical institutions and what to look for when choosing equipment.

How to choose germicidal lamps for children's medical institutions?

When choosing germicidal lamps for children's medical institutions, it is worth paying attention to the following features:

1. Lamp type. There are open (direct-action irradiators) and closed (recirculators) germicidal lamps. For rooms where children are constantly present, recirculators are the best choice because they disinfect the air without emitting UV light outside. Open lamps, even ozone-free ones, can only be used in quartz mode when no one is in the room.
2. Equipment power. It is determined taking into account the area and functional purpose of the room. For example, operating rooms require more powerful installations than ordinary offices. Do not try to save money by buying a less powerful quartz lamp — insufficient disinfection is worse than no disinfection at all.
3. Certification. Bactericidal lamps for medical institutions must have all the necessary documents and comply with Ukrainian sanitary standards. Check for certificates and technical passports with clear specifications. If the manufacturer cannot provide documentation, this is a reason to look for another option.
4. Body material and build quality. Lamps must be resistant to moisture and chemicals. Metal or high-quality plastic housings with anti-corrosion coating will last much longer.
5. Presence of a timer and operating hours counter. The timer allows you to automate the quartz treatment process, and the counter will remind you when it is time to replace the lamp. This is especially important in large medical institutions, where it is difficult to control each device manually.
6. The wavelength of UV radiation. It should be 253.7 nm – this is the wavelength at which the DNA of microorganisms is destroyed. Quartz lamps with other characteristics may be less effective.

If you cannot decide on the parameters, please contact our managers for advice.

Features of use in children's clinics and hospitals

The main feature of children's institutions is the constant presence of young patients who move around the corridors, wait in line, sometimes cry and get nervous. Therefore, a special approach is needed when choosing equipment and a disinfection schedule.

In clinics, where the largest flow of patients is observed in the morning and afternoon, it is better to carry out quartz treatment with open lamps before opening and in the evening after closing the facility. To maintain air purity throughout the day, use recirculators – they can be left on even during appointments. This is especially important for rooms where children spend more time.

The situation is more complicated in hospitals. Wards where young patients are hospitalised must be disinfected constantly, but quartz treatment with open lamps is only possible during walks or procedures when the children are not present. For wards, it is better to choose high-power recirculators.

The most thorough disinfection is required in operating rooms and intensive care units. Here, quartz treatment is carried out after each operation, as well as every morning and evening. Recirculators in operating rooms work continuously, even during procedures.

In playrooms and corridors, it is advisable to install wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted recirculators that operate continuously throughout the working day to disinfect the air. Use open lamps only after closing, when all visitors and staff have left the premises.

An important point is staff training. Nurses and orderlies must clearly understand when and how to turn on the lamps, how long the treatment should last, and what to do if someone accidentally enters the room during quartz treatment. Draw up a schedule for the use of equipment for each room and hang it in a prominent place. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that disinfection times are not missed.

Recommendations for calculating the required number of lamps

The number of bactericidal lamps must be calculated based on the volume of the room and the power of the equipment. The basic formula is simple: for every 20–30 m³ of air, 1 W of bactericidal flow is required. To calculate the volume of a room, multiply the length by the width and height. For example, for a 4×5 m room with a ceiling height of 3 m — 60 m³. For such a room, you need a lamp with a minimum power of 2–3 W. However, this is a basic calculation for ordinary rooms. Different standards apply to medical facilities, as the requirements for sterility are higher there. In treatment rooms, isolation rooms and operating theatres, it is recommended to increase the power by 30–50%. That is, for the same 60 m³ room, it is better to take a 4–5 W lamp or install two less powerful ones.

The type of lamp also affects the calculation. Open irradiators are more effective for disinfecting empty rooms, but they must be turned on for 30–60 minutes. Recirculators work more slowly, so their performance must be higher: the device must pass the entire volume of air in the room through itself 2–3 times per hour.

The height of the ceiling is also important. If it is higher than the standard 3 metres, the air volume increases, so the effectiveness of disinfection may decrease. In rooms with high ceilings (4–5 metres), it is better to install several lamps at different levels or choose more powerful models.

The shape of the room is another factor. In long, narrow corridors, a single lamp will be ineffective. Here, it is better to place several devices along the entire length at a distance of 3–5 metres from each other. In large square rooms, lamps are placed in corners or around the perimeter so that UV radiation covers the entire area.

Do not forget about obstacles. Furniture, screens, and equipment create blind spots where UV light does not reach. Special lamps can be purchased for disinfecting surfaces.

Why choose Bactosfera products

Bactosfera manufactures disinfection equipment, including ozone-free equipment, focusing on the practical needs of customers. Our advantages are:

1. All UV lamps, medical irradiators and disinfection systems comply with international standards and have the necessary documentation.
2. The service life, power and scope of application are specified for each model. All products are certified according to European safety requirements.
3. The radiation spectrum is selected to neutralise pathogenic microorganisms as effectively as possible.
4. We have various types of equipment: small household lamps for rooms and surfaces, systems for clinics, laboratories, and food industry enterprises.
5. Our equipment is available to order throughout Ukraine at reasonable prices.

We help you choose the right model, calculate the number of devices needed for operation, and advise on technical issues — so you can avoid mistakes in your choice and unnecessary expenses. By choosing Bactosfera, you not only get high-quality equipment, but also help Ukrainian business.