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PDI, a provider of infection prevention products and solutions, has acquired a majority share of Tru-D SmartUVC, a member of the UVC disinfection industry and maker of the first UVC robot, the company announced in a press release.

Supported by clinical research and featuring intuitive Sensor360 technology, Tru-D SmartUVC can accurately calculate the precise dose of UVC light needed to kill up to 99.9 percent of harmful pathogens and provides real-time reporting and analytical support for healthcare professionals. The addition of Tru-D, in partnership with its Founder and President, Chuck Dunn, extends PDI’s Environment of Care portfolio from hard surface to total-room disinfection and addresses the industry’s need for an integrated approach to infection prevention.

“We are proud of our 40-year legacy in assisting the healthcare industry with products and solutions that help reduce the risk of infections,” says Zachary T. Julius, chief executive officer of PDI. “The acquisition of Tru-D is among our most recent efforts supporting our continued mission to reduce preventable infections, control associated costs and ultimately help save lives across the healthcare continuum of care.”

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect approximately 1 in 31 hospital patients, with an associated 72,000 deaths in the US annually. Of these HAIs, Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is one of the most deadly and hard-to-kill microorganisms that is most commonly found in healthcare environments.

UVC energy has been shown to be an effective and eco-friendly way to reduce the risk of dangerous microorganisms, including C. difficile, in any environment. In combination with highly compliant manual disinfection that included the use of surface disinfectant wipes, the CDC-funded Benefits of Enhanced Terminal Room-Disinfection (BETR-D) study showed Tru-D was able to reduce the relative risk of colonization and infection among patients in hospital settings.

“Investing in a broader array of infection prevention products and solutions is a critical element of PDI’s strategy and a vital element of our service to patients and customers,” says Kent Davies, president and chief operating officer, PDI. “In looking to address the needs of environmental service professionals, we identified Tru-D SmartUVC as an opportunity to provide a more integrated, data-driven product solution. With Tru-D, we found a company that not only shares our values, but also our mission to develop innovative technologies that make a real difference to healthcare professionals and patients.”