UV-C Light Sanitization for Healthy Hands

Overseen By Diane Fiolek

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Michigan

Must not be taking: Sun sensitivity drugs

Disqualifiers: Keloids, Lidocaine sensitivity, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test whether ultraviolet light (UV-C) can safely sanitize hands as an alternative to chemical-based sanitizers. Participants will receive treatment with either a UV-C device (Violet UV-C Device) or UV-B light, and researchers will monitor any skin changes after exposure. The trial seeks healthy individuals with light skin tones who do not have skin disorders and have not used lotions or sanitizers immediately before the test. As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to safer hand sanitization methods.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking medication that increases sun sensitivity.

What prior data suggests that this method is safe for hand sanitization?

Research shows that UV-C light devices can effectively kill bacteria. However, safety remains a concern. Some studies have found that UV-C light can harm skin and eyes. The FDA has warned that certain UV-C wands emit unsafe radiation levels, which can cause injuries.

UV-B light is mainly known for causing sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer with excessive exposure. Both UV-C and UV-B lights carry risks, especially with direct exposure.

This trial tests the safety of using UV-C light for cleaning hands. The trial phase is "Not Applicable," indicating that detailed safety data from earlier trials might not be available. This study is a crucial step in understanding potential risks. Participants should consider these factors and consult their healthcare provider if they have concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using UV-C light sanitization for healthy hands because it offers a non-chemical way to reduce germs, unlike traditional hand sanitizers and soaps. UV-C light works by disrupting the DNA and RNA of microorganisms, effectively inactivating them without the need for water or alcohol. This method is particularly appealing for its potential to rapidly sanitize without leaving residues or causing skin irritation, which are common concerns with regular hand sanitizers. Additionally, the violet UV-C device provides a novel delivery method that could be more convenient and accessible for regular use.

What evidence suggests that UV-C light sanitization is effective for hand sanitization?

Research shows that UV-C light effectively kills germs. In this trial, participants will receive exposure to either UV-B or UV-C light. Studies have found that UV-C devices significantly reduce bacteria and viruses on surfaces, such as hospital equipment. For instance, some devices have reduced certain infections by up to 70%. UV-C light damages the DNA of germs, preventing them from spreading. While most evidence focuses on cleaning surfaces, the same principle applies to cleaning hands. However, more research is needed to fully understand its safety and effectiveness for use on skin. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gary Fisher

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with light skin (Type 1 or Type 2) who are in good health and have no history of skin conditions. Participants must not use lotions or hand sanitizers for 3 hours before the study. Those sensitive to sunlight due to medications, pregnant or nursing women, and recent participants in other trials cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Type 1 or type 2 skin (lightly colored skin)

I am in good overall health.

I am willing and able to follow the study's requirements.

Exclusion Criteria

Has received an experimental drug or used an experimental device in the 30 days prior to admission to the study

History of keloids

History of sensitivity to lidocaine or epinephrine

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive treatment with the Violet UV-C device or UV-B, followed by punch biopsies to assess changes in tissue properties

4 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• UV-B
• Violet UV-C Device

Trial Overview The trial tests if UV-C light from the Violet device can safely sanitize hands as an alternative to chemical sanitizers. It involves exposure to UV-C or UV-B light followed by a small biopsy of the hand skin to check for any tissue changes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Ultraviolet lights (UV-C) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Ultraviolet lights (UV-B) Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+

Archimedes Innovations, Pbc

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9769028/

Shedding a light on ultraviolet-C technologies in the hospital ... This review aims to bundle the available information on UV-C disinfection to obtain an overview of its advantages, disadvantages, and performance-influencing ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8869636/

A Review of Recent Evidence for Utilizing Ultraviolet ... The intent of this article is to provide evidence that no-touch technologies such as ultraviolet (UV)-based sanitizers have the potential for effective ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196655323003619

Efficacy of a filtered far-UVC handheld disinfection device ... The FFUV handheld disinfection device reduces bioburden on hospital surfaces. The device can be used on equipment where chemical disinfectants cannot be used.

4. journalofhospitalinfection.com journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(25)00028-3/fulltext

Impact of ultraviolet light disinfection on reducing hospital ... For PX-UV, several studies reported reductions in infection rates, with some showing up to a 70% decrease in Clostridioides difficile infection rates, ...

5. nvlpubs.nist.gov nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/jres/126/jres.126.023.pdf

Efficacy of Ultraviolet-C Devices for the Disinfection of ... This work evaluates two UV-C disinfection devices for viricidal efficacy on PPE fabric and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7274098/

Use of a novel ultraviolet-C wave disinfection device - PMC Novel UV-C device found to significantly decrease total and pathogenic bacteria on mobile phones. · UV-C phone disinfecting device is renewable, ...

7. fda.gov fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-ultraviolet-uv-wands-give-unsafe-levels-radiation-fda-safety-communication

Do Not Use Ultraviolet (UV) Wands That Give Off Unsafe ... Be aware that the FDA's testing shows that the UV wands listed above give off unsafe levels of UV-C radiation and may cause injuries to the eyes ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590088921000214

Disinfecting handheld electronic devices with UV-C in a ... We studied whether disinfection with UV-C light is successful in disinfecting three different HEDs in a clinical setting.

9. ehs.washington.edu ehs.washington.edu/system/files/resources/uv-safety.pdf

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) SAFETY Below are examples of UV devices generally found in research laboratory, their uses, safety precautions and recommended personal protective equipment.