Killing Germs Goes High Tech at University Hospital

New Germ-Zapping Robots, Developed and Built in San Antonio, Use Ultraviolet Rays 25,000 times More Powerful Than Sunlight to Disinfect

BACKGROUND: It’s been called a germ-zapping robot — and there’s a passing resemblance to Star Wars’ R2D2 if you squint your eyes. Now, University Health will implement this new San Antonio-based technology to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections. It uses powerful ultraviolet light pulses to kill dangerous microorganisms that could remain in patient rooms despite rigorous traditional cleaning.

WHAT: The Xenex room disinfection system, a mobile device that kills germs in minutes using powerful ultraviolet rays, will be demonstrated in the Surgical Trauma ICU at University Hospital.

WHO: Dr. Jason Bowling, infection disease specialist at UT Medicine and staff epidemiologist at University Hospital; Rachael Sparks, technical director at Xenex

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15.

WHERE: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Meet at the Emergency Center entrance off of Merton Minter 15 minutes early for escort to demonstration.

RSVP by calling 358-2335, or emailing Donald.Finley@uhtx.com. Parking for news media may be available in the Emergency Center parking lot. If not, additional parking is available in the West Parking Garage.

Contact media relations logo.
Contact Media Relations
Call 210-358-2335 or email us for more information about University Health news.
View other related news by: