Technology Briefing: UV Shoe Sole Disinfection Devices

Here's a briefing on UV shoe sole disinfection devices, outlining the key considerations for making wise purchasing decisions. We review how and where the technology is used, which applications it is best suited to, the strength of the evidence to support its use, and more.

Ultraviolet (UV) shoe sole disinfection devices emit light within the ultraviolet C (UVC) spectrum (between 200 and 280 nm wavelengths) to disinfect the bottom of users' shoes (i.e., shoe sole). Some products produce ozone gas in addition to UVC light as part of the disinfection process. When used according to the instructions for use (IFU), UV shoe sole disinfection devices can disinfect precleaned shoe soles in healthcare (e.g., ICUs, oncology units), industrial (e.g., manufacturing facilities), and commercial (e.g., recreational facilities, offices) settings.

These products consist of stationary units equipped as follows:

1. A base that contains:

a) A footpad that users step on. The footpad has specified regions for foot placement.

b) LEDs capable of generating light within the UVC spectrum and potentially ozone gas. The lamps/LEDs are located...