Hand wash basins are known to be reservoirs of MDROs. The presence of communities of microorganisms called biofilms, can promote prolonged survival of MDROs in wet environments such as hand wash basins (Hayward et al. 2024). Evidence demonstrating the transmission of MDROs from biofilms in wet environments (such as sinks and drains) to the healthcare and patient environment and the subsequent spread of infections to patients, is now recognised (Inkster 2024).
A recent investigation conducted in Germany (Fucini et al., 2023) has examined the link between sinks and healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). The study analysed HCAI surveillance data of 552 German ICUs, comparing infection rates in patient rooms with and without sinks. ICU patient rooms with sinks were associated with a higher number of HAIs, in comparison to rooms without sinks.
Outbreaks of MDROs including carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO), have been linked to the presence of biofilms in hospital sinks. A Belgian study reported an outbreak affecting 37 patients (infected or colonised) over a 4 year period (Anantharajah et al. 2024). Using molecular methods an epidemiological link between clinical and environmental strains collected from sink drains was established.
Eradication of biofilms within wet environments is notoriously challenging given their resistance to disinfectants, as well as difficulties ensuring disinfectants remain in contact with the biofilm for the required amount of time. UVMATIC® Water Trap by DDC offers a different approach to the control of bacteria and biofilms, harnessing the power of UV-C light to eliminate bacteria and reduce biofilm build up.
The UVMATIC® Water Trap System was tested in a hand wash basin located in the Hospital Infection Research Laboratory (HIRL) at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust in Spring 2025. The study investigated the activity of the UV-C light emitted from the device against bacteria and biofilms located in the U-bend of the hand wash basin, over a 6 week period.
Water from the trap was taken at 3 time points of the day for 2 weeks to establish the baseline of bacterial contamination within the U-bend. Samples were plated onto agar plates and incubated. A total viable count (TVC) was recorded after 5 days incubation at 30°C.
Following 2 weeks of sampling the UVMATIC® Water Trap System was switched on to admit UV-C light directly into the U-bend, and remained on for 2 weeks. Samples were taken, repeating the same time points and enumeration method as above. Finally the UVMATIC® Water Trap System was switched off and samples collected for another 2 weeks.
Following the UVMATIC® Water Trap System being switched on a gradual decrease in the number of bacteria being detected was observed. The figure shows the log reduction in viable bacteria in relationship to the amount of time the UVMATIC® Water Trap System is turned on. As the UVMATIC® Water Trap System remains on for longer, the TVC in the water sampled from the U-bend reduces. The effect of the UVMATIC® Water Trap System was highly statistically significant (p < 0.001).
The use of UV-C in the UVMATIC® Water Trap System was able to reduce the level of bacterial contamination by over 99%. Once the UVMATIC® Water Trap System was switched off and the TVC started to rise again (data not shown), confirming the product is efficacious in the reduction and control of bacteria in the U-bend.
UVMATIC® Water Trap System offers a novel mechanism to control bacteria and biofilms in hand washing basins and overcomes the limitations of using disinfectants. UVMATIC® deploys the power of UV-C continuously and requires no human input (apart from the initial installation process) reducing transmission risk and supporting patient safety.
Anantharajah A, Goormaghtigh F, Nguvuyla Mantu E, Güler B, Bearzatto B, Momal A, Werion A, Hantson P, Kabamba-Mukadi B, Van Bambeke F, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Verroken A. Long-term intensive care unit outbreak of carbapenemase-producing organisms associated with contaminated sink drains. J Hosp Infect. 2024 Jan;143:38-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.10.010. Epub 2023 Oct 28. PMID: 38295006.
Fucini GB, Geffers C, Schwab F, Behnke M, Sunder W, Moellmann J, Gastmeier P. Sinks in patient rooms in ICUs are associated with higher rates of hospital-acquired infection: a retrospective analysis of 552 ICUs. J Hosp Infect. 2023 Sep;139:99-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.05.018. Epub 2023 Jun 10. PMID: 37308060
Hayward C, Ross KE, Brown MH, Nisar MA, Hinds J, Jamieson T, Leterme SC, Whiley H. Handwashing basins and healthcare associated infections: Bacterial diversity in biofilms on faucets and drains. Sci Total Environ. 2024 Nov 1;949:175194. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175194.
Inkster T. A narrative review and update on drain-related outbreaks. J Hosp Infect. 2024 Sep;151:33-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.05.016. Epub 2024 Jun 1. PMID: 38830539.