UHC Earns National Recognition from Xenex for Pathogen Disinfection
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 12, 2026
WVU Medicine United Hospital Center (UHC) has officially been recognized by Xenex Disinfection Services as the national leader in ultraviolet (UV) disinfection utilization for the first quarter of 2026.
Operating a specialized fleet of nine Xenex LightStrike robots, the hospital completed an unprecedented 18,027 disinfection cycles during the three-month period to maintain the highest standards of clinical hygiene and patient safety.
Xenex's patented pulsed xenon UV technology is engineered to destroy hard-to-kill pathogens that linger on surfaces in healthcare environments.
By emitting intense bursts of broad-spectrum UV light, the robots effectively fuse the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce or mutate. This critical layer of protection destroys dangerous superbugs—including C. diff, MRSA, and various viral threats—that manual cleaning alone can miss.
At UHC, the disinfection program is deeply integrated into daily operations. The facility's nine robots are deployed strategically by environmental services (EVS) personnel across its most critical units, alongside common traffic areas such as med rooms, clean storage areas and restrooms.
These include operating rooms, emergency departments, patient rooms, and intensive care units. Surpassing 18,000 cycles in a single quarter showcases the tireless focus of the EVS team and their mastery of room turnover efficiency.
"This recognition showcases program sustainment and is a direct testament to our staff's commitment to delivering the safest possible environment for our community in North Central West Virginia," Dr. Mark Povroznik, Vice President of Quality/Chief Quality Officer, Chairman of Infection Control at UHC. "By leading the nation in UV utilization, we are aggressively preventing the transmission of healthcare-associated infections and advancing clinical quality."
UHC's top-tier ranking reflects a broader trend of technological leadership within the WVU Medicine network. Moving forward, the facility aims to continue breaking utilization barriers to ensure that every patient receives care in an environment optimized for healing.
