PPH uses Xenex PX-UV disinfection system to destroy microorganisms causing HAIs

Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH) today announced it is the first health system in California to use the Xenex PX-UV disinfection system in its patient and operating rooms. The Xenex system is the fastest, safest and most cost-effective method for the advanced cleaning of hospital rooms in the world today, scientifically proven to destroy all major classes of microorganisms that cause hospital acquired infections (HAIs), such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C. diff).

“Innovative health care systems like PPH are investing in Xenex disinfection technology to make their patients safer”

HAIs (also referred to as healthcare associated infections), such as MRSA, C. diff, pneumonia and staph infections, are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Xenex PX-UV disinfection system uses pulsed xenon technology to deliver high-intensity, broad spectrum ultraviolet light to quickly kill microorganisms on surfaces and in the air without contact or chemicals. The UV penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, essentially fusing their DNA, leading to instant damage, the inability to reproduce or mutate, and killing the organism.

"Hospital acquired infections are of concern for all of us," said Jerry Kolins, M.D., Medical Director of Laboratories, PPH. "We want to insure patient rooms are free from microorganisms that cause infections, and we hope this new technology will provide the safest rooms for our patients and save lives."

The Xenex system has been proven effective on a variety of the most dangerous "superbugs" in several independent labs in the U.S. and internationally. In hospital trials, Xenex has consistently shown to be more than 20 times more effective than standard cleaning practices. The system is also capable of disinfecting a typical patient room in as little as five minutes.

"Innovative health care systems like PPH are investing in Xenex disinfection technology to make their patients safer," said Brian Cruver, CEO of Xenex Healthcare. "Traditional chemical cleaning methods are proven to be inadequate, which results in significant increase in the infection risk. Much like the first automobile makers to install airbags because seatbelts were just not enough, PPH is taking patient protection to the next level while leading the healthcare industry toward a new and better standard of cleanliness and care."

"Our recent partnership with Xenex is another example of how our innovation program is providing real world benefits. We believe this new technology holds great promise for healthcare organizations as they address the problem of hospital acquired infections," said Orlando Portale, Chief Innovation Officer, PPH.

Details about the Xenex system and its effectiveness against specific organisms are available at http://www.xenex.com/. Information about the results of the recently completed Xenex trial at a leading U.S. cancer center is available by calling 800.553.0069 or by sending a request online.

PPH will host a live demonstration of the Xenex disinfection system for media in a mock-up patient room on Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Jerry Kolins, Medical Director of Laboratories at PPH; Valerie Martinez, RN, Infection Prevention, PPH; and Mark Stibich, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Xenex Healthcare, will participate and be available for media interviews.