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UV Lamp (optional)
The optional UV lamp generates a primary wavelength of light of 254nm. A secondary
emission is in the visible (blue) wavelength, resulting in the characteristic blue color
while operating. UV light at this wavelength is biocidal, primarily by creating thymine
dimers in DNA. These dimers prevent the correct transcription of the DNA into RNA,
resulting in cellular death or viral inactivation. In order to be effective, the UV light must
directly strike the nucleic acid, and its effectiveness can be diminished or negated by
dissolved proteins or metals, or by other UV-opaque substances protecting the target
nucleic acid.
Because of its limitations, UV light should be used as an adjunct to good surface
disinfection practices. In order to achieve optimum performance from the UV lamp, it
should be replaced after 6,000 hours of operation or less, and the exterior surface of the
lamp should be kept clean and free of dust.
Note: The Axiom records the number of hours of operation of the UV light. You can
program in the number of hours (in 100-hour increments) it will operate before a
replacement message is displayed.
Note: UV irradiation is absorbed by the tempered safety glass of the sash. Independent
research has shown that the level of UV irradiation on the outside of the cabinet’s sash
is equal to background radiation levels.
Note: The UV sensitivity of a target organism varies, depending on the UV output of the
lamp, the genus and species of the organism, the medium the agent is suspended in,
etc. Contact the Health and Safety Officer at your facility for UV light use and
recommendations.
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