Far-UVC Research
No Flu in the Loo
Why Patient Bathrooms Deserve a Frontline Infection Prevention Strategy with Far-UVC
We often talk about high-risk spaces in healthcare: operating rooms, ICUs, emergency departments. But one of the most overlooked and most contaminated areas in any hospital or clinic is the patient bathroom.
A new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases titled “No Flu in the Loo” is a cheeky take on a serious subject. Aerosols generated during toilet flushing are a potential source for transmission for viral and bacterial pathogens in bathrooms. Because manual decontamination of patient bathrooms after each use is not feasible, the researchers looked at continuous Far-UVC sanitization as a tool to make a meaningful impact to address this significant problem.
The Study: Far-UVC in Bathrooms
The researchers tested a Far-UVC fixture to autonomously decontaminate surfaces and aerosolized viral particles and published their results in January 2025. Installed in a clinical bathroom setting, the Far-UVC fixture significantly reduced environmental contamination on surfaces that are frequently touched and hard to clean between patient use. The study showed that multi drug-resistant pathogens including MRSA, VRE, C. auris and E. coli were successfully inactivated in a range of 90% to 99.99% in just two hours. (See figure below for details.) Aerosolized MS2 had a 4-log reduction in 45 minutes. And, C. difficile spores has a >1.7 log reduction in 24 hours.
Far-UVC successfully inactivates MDROs in the Bathroom
The graph below indicates how continuous use of Far-UVC can be a beneficial adjunct to manual cleaning in patient bathrooms – by working passively and without disruption. For more information, read: “No Flu in the Loo: Efficacy of a novel, automated far ultraviolet-C light technology for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viral particles in bathrooms,” by Samir Memic, Claire Kaple, Jennifer Cadnum and Curtis Donskey, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Volume 12, Issue Supplement 1, February 2025
Tackling pathogens in bathrooms in real-time can have significant impact
Bathrooms are hot zones for cross-contamination. Pathogens easily spread through droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces. Despite best efforts by environmental services teams, manual cleaning can’t match the consistency or frequency needed to eliminate risk in real time. In a study published in February 2024, researchers demonstrated how easily viral aerosols spread, regardless of whether the toilet lid was open or closed while flushing. For more information, read “Impacts of lid closure during toilet flushing and of toilet bowl cleaning on viral contamination of surfaces in United States restrooms” Goforth, Madison P. et al. American Journal of Infection Control.
Why Far-UVC Works
Far-UVC at 222 nanometers is a narrow band of ultraviolet light that inactivates bacteria, viruses and fungi — including drug-resistant strains — without penetrating living human skin or eyes. That means it can safely operate while people are present, offering continuous sanitization of air and surfaces throughout the day. Unlike other UV-C systems can only be used in empty rooms, require manual setup and result in costly delays in room turnover time, next-generation Far-UVC is installed in ceilings and works without human intervention. Visium works around-the-clock to significantly benefit the environment of care in a way never before possible.
When you consider the impact of Far-UVC in continuously inactivating these spaces and supplementing manual cleaning in a manner never before possible, it’s easy to understand why researchers are now describing Far-UVC as the “Holy Grail” for Infection Prevention in healthcare environments.
Visium Far-UVC is a simple way to reduce bioburden in bathrooms 24/7
These studies validate what infection preventionists and environmental services teams already know: we need passive, automated decontamination strategies for spaces like patient bathrooms, where contamination is constant and consequences are serious.
Visium Far-UVC is the ideal and effective way to continuously inactivate pathogens in the air and surfaces – without distraction or disruption to patients or staff.
Elegant, effective and eco-friendly, let us help you improve the quality of your healthcare environment with the most reliable, certified and intelligent solution for continuous sanitization.
UL-8802 certified for ceiling installation
Virtually invisible and silent, covering up to 200 sq. ft.
Installed as simply as a can light fixture and operates 24/7 for less than $0.06 a day
IoT enabled for remote operation controls and managing devices
Designed and Assembled in the USA
And yes — it’s ready to help you keep the flu (and more) out of the loo.
Let’s Rethink Infection Control — Room by Room
The future of infection prevention isn’t just about protocols. It’s about building an “Infection Prevention Infrastructure” with technology that works invisibly in the background as a non-stop supplement to manual cleaning. Studies like these show the power of Far-UVC in real-world settings, and we’re excited to be part of the change.
Next Steps
Want to see how Visium can be deployed in your facility’s restrooms, patient rooms, ORs or Emergency Departments? Contact us to learn more or apply to our Vanguard Program for a no-cost pilot.