(LUNEL, France) — BIO-SCAN, the UV-C-based surface disinfectant system announced last month by BIO-UV Group, has now received certification from two independent testing laboratories.
The UV-C virus scanner, which is capable of detecting and eradicating micro-organisms including SARS-CoV-2 from all types of surfaces, is now being marketed across a number of industry sectors, though priority will be given to health care professionals.
It adopts the same UV technology as that used to wipe out invasive species found in ships’ ballast water tanks.
Biofaq Laboratories, a division of CARSO Group, a European provider of environmental and agri-food testing services, and C4 Diagnostics, a French biotech specialising in diagnosing infectious diseases, issued the certification based on the internationally recognised standard NF T72-281.
The tests indicate that BIO-SCAN is effective in killing 99.99 percent (1/10,000) of viruses and 99.999 percent (1/100,000) of bacteria on surfaces in just eight seconds.
Placing BIO-UV Group among a limited number of companies that have achieved certification for a surface-disinfecting system, the 50-cm (19-inch) handheld device emits a ray of UV-C which is passed over a surface, taking only seconds to disinfect the scanned area.
Almost all hygiene and disinfection procedures are typically carried out using chemicals, primarily bleach, alcohol, formaldehyde, and quaternary ammonium. Some of these methods are hazardous to health and the environment, and the protocols currently in place increase the dosages, which can impact materials on contact and even expose people close to these chemicals.
UV-C rays only require the operator to use eye or skin protection. They are chemical-free and without side effects.
It was invented in Marseille, France, in 1904. However, its application was limited until recently, when it emerged that the technology is highly effective in killing pathogens and organisms in water systems, such as ship’s ballast water.
BIO-UV Group has already received orders for the system and is establishing distribution channels for export.
The shipping industry is a likely beneficiary as it can be used on bridge and navigation instruments and in crew and passenger cabins, among other areas.
