Measuring the uv tube intensity – UVP Ultraviolet PCR User Manual
Page 11

Ultraviolet PCR Cabinets and Workstations
Page 11
Measuring the UV Tube Intensity
As the ultraviolet tubes age, the intensity and germicidal destruction rate decreases. It is important
to monitor the efficiency of the tubes to ensure the germicidal requirements are met. The germicidal
destruction rate is a function of the UV intensity at wavelength 254nm and exposure time. The
lower the tube intensity, the longer the lamps must be on to accomplish the same objective.
The UVX Radiometer using a 254nm sensor will allow the user to measure the 254nm emissions
from the tubes. When it is time to measure the UV intensity inside the PCR workstation
(recommended weekly or as needed), the sensors can be placed on the floor of the PCR. Close the
hood and turn on the UV tubes. Wait three minutes to record the measurement on the UV meter. It
is recommended that the user record an initial value upon receipt and assembly of the PCR unit.
The germicidal destruction rate calculation:
Microwatt seconds/cm
2
= microwatts/cm
2
x seconds of exposure
For ordering information on the UVX Radiometer, J-225 meter and sensors, refer to the
Replacement Parts and Accessories section in this manual.
The bacterial destruction chart below indicates the amount of shortwave (254nm) UV energy
required for complete destruction of various organisms.
Bacterial Organisms
Microwatt
seconds/cm
2
Additional Organisms
Microwatt
seconds/cm
2
Bacillus anthracis
8700
YEAST
S. enteritidis
7600
Saccharomyces
ellipsoideus
13200
B. Megatherium sp. (veg.)
2500
Saccharomyces sp.
17600
B. Megatherium sp. (spores)
5200
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
13200
B. parathyphosus
6100
Brewer’s yeast
6600
B. subtilis
11000
Baker’s yeast
8800
B. subtilis spores
22000
Common yeast cake
13200
Clostridium tetani
22000
Corynebacterium diptheriae
6500
MOLD SPORES
Eberthella typosa
4100
Penicillium roqueforti
26400
Escherichlia coli
6600
Penicillium expansum
22000
Micrococcus cadidus
12300
Penicillium digitatus
88000
Micrococcus sphaeroides
15400
Aspergillus glaucus
88000
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
1000
Aspergillus flavus
99000
Neisseria catarrhalis
8500
Aspergillus niger
330000
Phytomonas tumefaciens
8500
Rhisopus nigricans
220000
Proteus vulgaris
6600
Mucor racemosus A
35200
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
10500
Mucor racemosus B
35200
Pseudomonas fluorescens
6600
Oospora lactis
11000
S. typhimusium
15200
Salmonella
10000
VIRUS
Sarcina lutea
26400
Bacteriophasge (E. coli)
6600
Sarratia marcescens
6160
Tobacco mosaic
44000
Dysentery bacilli
4200
Influenza
6600
Shigella paradyseneriae
3200
Spirillum rubrum
6160
PROTOZOA
Staphlococcus albus
5720
Paramecium
200000
Staphylococcus aereus
6600
Nematode eggs
9200
Streptococcus hemolyticus
5500
Chlorella vulgaris (algae)
22000
Streptococcus lactis
8800
Streptococcus viridans
3800