--- title: New Technology Reported to Reduce Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) description: According to CDC statistics, hospital acquired infections (HAIs) affect 5 to 10 percent of hospitalized patients in the U.S. per year. image: https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/New%20Technology%20Reported%20to%20Reduce%20Hospital%20Acquired%20Infections%20(HAI).jpg --- - Welcome! - [Sign In](https://www.cmecorp.com/customer/account/login/referer/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY21lY29ycC5jb20v/) - or - [Create an Account](https://www.cmecorp.com/customer/account/create/) - [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/icons8-phone-50.png) 800.338.2372](tel:8003382372) [![CME Corp](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CME_CORP_LOGO_FIN_2018_PMS_300dpi-1.png?width=1331&height=442&name=CME_CORP_LOGO_FIN_2018_PMS_300dpi-1.png "CME Corp")](http://www.cmecorp.com) [Find My Account Manager](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/contact-us.html) | [Contact Us](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/contact-us.html) Search: ![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/_images/search-icon.jpg) [![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/_images/mini-cart.jpg?width=23&height=21&name=mini-cart.jpg)](http://www.cmecorp.com/checkout/cart/) - [CME Expertise](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise.html) - [Hospitals / IDNs](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/hospitals.html) - [Laboratory](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/laboratory.html) - [Imaging](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/imaging.html) - [Surgery Centers](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/surgery-centers.html) - [Clinics](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/clinics.html) - [Physician Offices](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/physician-offices.html) - [Behavioral Health Facilities](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/behavioral-health.html) - [Long Term Care](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/long-term-care.html) - [Rehabilitation Centers](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/rehabilitation.html) - [Government Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/government.html) - [Emergency Medical Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/cme-expertise/emergency-medical-services.html) - [Integrated Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services.html) - [CAD-Based Layout & Design](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/cad-based-layout-and-design.html) - [Project Management](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/project-management.html) - [Direct-to-Site Services](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/direct-to-site-services.html) - [Biomedical Services & Technical Solutions](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/biomedical-services.html) - [Contractor Specialties](https://www.cmecorp.com/integrated-services/contractor-specialties.html) - [Find Products](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop.html) - [Shop By Category](https://www.cmecorp.com/new-shop/shop-by-category.html) - [Shop By Manufacturer](https://www.cmecorp.com/new-shop/brands.html) - [Digital Solutions Guide](https://cmesolutionsguide.com/) # New Technology Reported to Reduce Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) [![High angle view - female nurse showing something to doctor on tablet at the hospital ](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/New%20Technology%20Reported%20to%20Reduce%20Hospital%20Acquired%20Infections%20(HAI).jpg)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/new-technology-reported-to-reduce-hospital-acquired-infections-hais) By [CME Corp Staff](https://blog.cmecorp.com/author/cme-corp-staff) | August 28, 2017 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) According to the latest CDC statistics, hospital acquired infections (HAIs) affect 5 to 10 percent of hospitalized patients in the U.S. per year, with approximately 1.7 million HAIs occurring in U.S. hospitals each year, resulting in 99,000 deaths and an estimated $20 billion in healthcare costs. These are sobering numbers, and, as anyone working in a healthcare facility setting can attest, HAI’s are a stubbornly persistent challenge. Recent studies show that the airborne dispersion of resistant organisms such as Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) often play a role in non-respiratory infections. In fact, hospital air samples have been found to be up to 8 times more contaminated than surfaces with MRSA and C. diff. ## HAI - Finding a Solution How can the air be better treated to reduce airborne transmission of these organisms? This question took on personal significance for Mark Welker after his wife Beverly contracted a life-threatening HAI during a hospitalization. As an inventor who holds multiple patents, including those involving lighting and HVAC products, Welker looked around the hospital in search of an answer. He knew that no matter how well staff worked to keep the environment bacteria free, the constant flow of traffic within a hospital, particularly in the patient room, meant that new sources of human bacteria were being introduced, filling the air and settling on surfaces in between cleanings. He wanted to find a solution that met certain requirements. It needed to be operating continuously and it needed to operate without the need for human involvement to turn it on or off. It also needed to be unobtrusive and easy to install. From his efforts, VidaShield was born. ## ![HAI1.png](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HAI1.png?width=429&name=HAI1.png) Hospitals have been using UV-C technology as a disinfection method for decades. The UV-C wavelength of 253.7 nanometers has been proven to be effective at neutralizing dangerous microorganisms, such as C. diff and MRSA. The use of UV-C is limited in the hospital setting since it can’t be used in an occupied space and is only effective on areas that fall in its direct line of sight. [VidaShield](https://www.cmecorp.com/vidashield-ultra-violet-air-purifying-ceiling-lights.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials) offers a shielded UV-C approach that allows for its use in occupied spaces. It combines an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) chamber and air circulating fans with an overhead ceiling light. The patented system uses UV-C light and filtration to draw in and treat environmental air. It reduces bacterial and fungal populations in treated air and reduces settling bacteria and fungi from treated air 24 hours a day. Installing VidaShield is a simple process, as it fits seamlessly into standard 2x4 drop ceilings. There are several options available for hard ceilings as well. As part of its continuing effort to offer solutions that can have a positive impact on HAI levels, CME is proud to be the North American distributor for VidaShield. “HAI’s are a significant concern for our customers,” says KC Meleski, National Sales Manager for CME. “VidaShield offers an effective solution. We especially like the fact that it installs easily and can be placed where it is needed most; directly over the patient bed for example.” ## The Benefits of VidaShield Facilities which have installed VidaShield have seen impressive results. A long-term care facility tested the VidaShield technology in one of three units to determine if the air purification system could have an impact on reducing the LTC-reported infection rates. The VidaShield system reduced airborne bacteria levels by 51%. In addition, the facility reported a reduction in their overall infection rate by 28%. ![HAI2.png](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HAI2.png?width=320&name=HAI2.png)An acute care hospital in Massachusetts, after installing VidaShield in their ICU hallways and patient rooms, found airborne bacteria levels in the ICU were reduced 69%, and surface bacteria levels in the ICU were reduced 51%. To test the effectiveness of VidaShield, a hospital in Nevada installed units in a controlled-access unit within their emergency department that treats homeless, drug-addicted and mentally ill patients. Results of the VidaShield testing showed that airborne bacteria levels were reduced by 80%, and surface levels were reduced by 66%. In addition, hospital nurses and staff reported improvement in air quality and a reduction in odors in the testing area as well as a noticeable improvement in their allergy symptoms. We’re excited by this new technology and its potential impact on HAI reduction. For further intelligence, read the[three case studies](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/VidaShield%20Info.pdf) provided and this important [Peer Review](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hubfs/AJIC%20Peer%20Review%202017.pdf). CME has a [complete line of products](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop/equipment/infectioncontrol/hai-prevention.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials) that will help combat HAI’s. Call CME 800.338.2372 for an account manager that can provide you with information about VidaShield or any of these innovative products. [![Click Here to Request More Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/350655/d9fcaf30-f1db-4504-b26f-ffa3400c1d13.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/350655/d9fcaf30-f1db-4504-b26f-ffa3400c1d13) --- **About CME:** CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for [healthcare equipment](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/capital-equipment.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials), [turnkey logistics](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/direct-to-site-services.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials), and [biomedical services](https://www.cmecorp.com/solutions/biomedical-services.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials), representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With two corporate offices and 35+ service centers, our mission is to help [healthcare facilities](https://www.cmecorp.com/who-we-serve.html?utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=equipment%20essentials) nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule. [Healthcare Associated Infections](https://blog.cmecorp.com/topic/healthcare-associated-infections) [VidaShield](https://blog.cmecorp.com/topic/vidashield) ![](https://blog.cmecorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo.png?height=100&name=logo.png) Written by [CME Corp Staff](https://blog.cmecorp.com/author/cme-corp-staff) CME Corp's staff explores and presents the latest findings, news, and trends of the healthcare industry. ### Posts by Tag - [June 2017 (14)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/06) - [October 2017 (8)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/10) - [September 2023 (8)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/09) - [November 2015 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/11) - [December 2015 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/12) - [July 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/07) - [September 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/09) - [November 2017 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/11) - [October 2023 (7)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/10) - [August 2014 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/08) - [June 2016 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/06) - [February 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/02) - [April 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/04) - [May 2018 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/05) - [August 2025 (6)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/08) - [July 2014 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/07) - [September 2014 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/09) - [January 2017 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/01) - [December 2017 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/12) - [November 2021 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/11) - [June 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/06) - [August 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/08) - [November 2023 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/11) - [January 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/01) - [April 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/04) - [August 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/08) - [October 2024 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/10) - [January 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/01) - [April 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/04) - [May 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/05) - [July 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/07) - [September 2025 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/09) - [April 2026 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/04) - [June 2026 (5)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/06) - [June 2014 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/06) - [December 2014 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/12) - [April 2015 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/04) - [May 2016 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/05) - [December 2016 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/12) - [February 2017 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/02) - [May 2020 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/05) - [March 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/03) - [April 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/04) - [May 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/05) - [September 2021 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/09) - [August 2022 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/08) - [April 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/04) - [May 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/05) - [July 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/07) - [December 2023 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/12) - [February 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/02) - [March 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/03) - [May 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/05) - [June 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/06) - [July 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/07) - [September 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/09) - [December 2024 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/12) - [February 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/02) - [March 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/03) - [June 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/06) - [October 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/10) - [November 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/11) - [December 2025 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2025/12) - [January 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/01) - [February 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/02) - [March 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/03) - [May 2026 (4)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2026/05) - [March 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/03) - [April 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/04) - [May 2014 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/05) - [May 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/05) - [September 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/09) - [October 2015 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/10) - [January 2016 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/01) - [April 2017 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/04) - [January 2018 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/01) - [July 2018 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/07) - [March 2019 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/03) - [June 2019 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/06) - [March 2020 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/03) - [June 2021 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/06) - [July 2021 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/07) - [March 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/03) - [May 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/05) - [June 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/06) - [September 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/09) - [November 2022 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/11) - [February 2023 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/02) - [November 2024 (3)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2024/11) - [October 2014 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/10) - [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/01) - [July 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/07) - [August 2015 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/08) - [February 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/02) - [March 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/03) - [November 2016 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/11) - [May 2017 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/05) - [August 2017 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/08) - [March 2018 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/03) - [July 2019 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/07) - [January 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/01) - [February 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/02) - [August 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/08) - [September 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/09) - [October 2020 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/10) - [February 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/02) - [August 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/08) - [October 2021 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2021/10) - [January 2022 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/01) - [April 2022 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/04) - [January 2023 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/01) - [March 2023 (2)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2023/03) - [November 2014 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2014/11) - [February 2015 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/02) - [March 2015 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2015/03) - [April 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/04) - [July 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/07) - [August 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/08) - [September 2016 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2016/09) - [March 2017 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2017/03) - [August 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/08) - [September 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/09) - [October 2018 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2018/10) - [January 2019 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/01) - [April 2019 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2019/04) - [April 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/04) - [June 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/06) - [July 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/07) - [November 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/11) - [December 2020 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2020/12) - [July 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/07) - [October 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/10) - [December 2022 (1)](https://blog.cmecorp.com/archive/2022/12) See all #### About CME Corp. - [Our Company](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/our-company.html) - [Careers](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/careers.html) -   -   #### Resources - [CME Insider's Blog](https://blog.cmecorp.com/) - [Case Studies](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/case-studies.html) - [Newsroom](https://blog.cmecorp.com/press-releases) - [Literature Resources](https://resources.cmecorp.com/) #### Quick Links - [Find Products](https://www.cmecorp.com/shop) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.cmecorp.com/privacy-policy-cookie-restriction-mode) - [Sales, Shipping & Return Policies](https://www.cmecorp.com/sales-shipping) - [Credit Application](https://www.cmecorp.com/about/credit-application.html) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/linked_in_blog.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cme-medical/) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/facebook_blog.png)](https://www.facebook.com/cmecorp/) [![](https://www.cmecorp.com/media/public/instagram_blog.png)](https://www.instagram.com/cme_corp/) © 2026 CME Corp - An ESOP Company Delivering a Better Experience