biostudies-literatureRudhart SAUV Smart Technologies B.V.e0268863https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9645592biostudies-literatureUnknown17(11)<h4>Background</h4>The reprocessing of daily used medical devices is often inadequate, making them a potential source of infection. In addition, there are usually no consistent and technically standardized procedures available for this purpose. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze the bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of Ultraviolet light-based (UV light-based) reprocessing of daily used medical devices.<h4>Material and methods</h4>Six different everyday medical devices (20 each; stethoscopes, tourniquets, bandage scissors, reflex hammers, tuning forks, and nystagmus glasses) were tested for bacterial contamination. All medical devices were then exposed to UV-C light for 25 seconds. Medical devices with a smooth surface were pre-cleaned with a water-based wipe. Contact saPloS oneAnalysis of bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of UV light-based reprocessing of everyday medical devices.PMC9645592N/AGehrt FDapper LIHoch SGunther FStuck BARudhart SAfalseAnalysis of bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of UV light-based reprocessing of everyday medical devices.<h4>Background</h4>The reprocessing of daily used medical devices is often inadequate, making them a potential source of infection. In addition, there are usually no consistent and technically standardized procedures available for this purpose. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze the bacterial contamination and the effectiveness of Ultraviolet light-based (UV light-based) reprocessing of daily used medical devices.<h4>Material and methods</h4>Six different everyday medical devices (20 each; stethoscopes, tourniquets, bandage scissors, reflex hammers, tuning forks, and nystagmus glasses) were tested for bacterial contamination. All medical devices were then exposed to UV-C light for 25 seconds. Medical devices with a smooth surface were pre-cleaned with a water-based wipe. Contact sa2022-01-01T00:00:00Z20222025-04-04T19:27:49.843Z2025-04-04T19:27:49.843ZS-EPMC96455923635080710.1371/journal.pone.0268863