Kenall Manufacturing has announced the commercialization of Indigo-Clean^TM, a light fixture that uses Continuous Environmental Disinfection technology to kill bacteria linked to hospital acquired infections (HAIs) such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and C.difficile.

The new light continuously kills bacteria and does not require an operator. It is being manufactured through an exclusive licensing agreement with the University of Strathclyde. It will also be produced in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility north of Chicago.

"Indigo-Clean^TM represents a breakthrough in helping to reduce HAIs," said Jim Hawkins, CEO of Kenall. "It bolsters current disinfection efforts by infection preventionists and environmental services professionals in the fight against HAIs."

The device employs a narrow spectrum of visible indigo-colored light to kill the potentially harmful bacteria. The High-Intensity Narrow Spectrum (HINS) light penetrates the molecules of the bacteria, killing it from the inside-out.

"As part of Strathclyde's clinical engagement in the U.K. over the last seven years, this technology has proven effective in killing bacteria in hospital settings. We are proud that the University of Strathclyde selected Kenall to commercialize this in the U.S.," said Cliff Yahnke, Kenall's Director of Clinical Affairs. "Breaking the chain of infection, from an infected patient, to the environment, to new patient, is vitally important, and the ability of this technology to be in use and effective at all times, will make a huge difference."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported about one in 25 patients in the U.S. have acquired an infection within a health care facility. It has been estimated that HAIs cause at least 1.7 million illnesses and 99,000 deaths in the U.S. As soon as bacteria are disinfected from a surface they begin to repopulate the space, but Indigo-Clean^TM solves this problem by continuously treating the air and surface.

"As an innovator in healthcare lighting and a leader in LED lighting and controls, we can bring healthcare providers this effective, game-changing tool to ensure the safest and best environment for their patients," Hawkins said.