A single death is a tragedy; thousands merely a statistic. A 2011 study found that over 700,000 patients in the US suffered a healthcare associated infection (HAI), and 75,000 died as a result. A healthcare institution is the last place you expect to catch an infection in the developed world, and yet lives are being lost daily.
Epidemiologists Dr. Mark Stibich and Dr. Julie Stachowiak wanted to change this. In 2010 they started Xenex. They are partnering with hospitals to eliminate the pathogens that cause infection - ultimately preventing healthcare associated infection and death.
Can robots save us?
In 2010 Dr. Stibich and Dr. Stachowiak launched a device that kills 99.9% of bacteria present in a hospital room. It works by emitting UV light in pulses over a five minute cycle period, with no need for harsh disinfectants and chemicals. When the bacteria is exposed to the UV light or germicidal light, it absorbs the light and fuses the organisms’ DNA and killing it. The light is not harmful to humans, and is easily deflected by glass or room walls. The device is run in empty rooms to ensure maximum effectiveness of the cycle.