Why Smart Disinfection Increases Lab Safety

June is Safety Month, and here at CURIS, we thought it would be the perfect time to highlight how Smart Disinfection can significantly boost laboratory safety.

But what exactly is Smart Disinfection?

Smart Disinfection refers to the integration of automation and data management into your disinfection process—whether through planning, protocols, or a fully integrated system.

On the surface, the benefits seem obvious—but what does that look like in practice? And how can labs or cleanroom facilities begin implementing Smart Disinfection effectively?

4 Ways to Implement Smart Disinfection in Your Laboratory or Cleanroom Facility

1. Automated Scheduling
   Start simple: automating your disinfection schedule. Using a calendar tool, scheduling app, or internal facility software, you can set recurring treatments at intervals tailored to your space’s contamination risk.

   Pro Tip: Facilities that automate scheduling often see improved compliance and consistency in their disinfection protocols.

2. Portable Whole-Room Disinfection
   Upgrade from the traditional spray-and-wipe method, which leaves room for human error and variations in application. For instance, each person may spray or wipe differently—some with more attention to detail and dwell time than others. Studies show that manual cleaning can leave behind up to 60% of microbial contamination, even when performed with care (CDC, 2020).

   Smart Disinfection systems—like the lightweight CURIS 3—offer:

   • Remote activation
   • Auto-calculated cycles
   • Detailed cycle data reports
   • Site pre-programming for repeatable treatment

   CURIS’ safer,* low-concentration solution reduces health and material compatibility risks, making adoption easier for EH&S staff and lab personnel.

3. Partially Integrated Biodecontamination
   Take it a step further with a hybrid system—portable disinfection with the ability to connect to permanent nozzles in dedicated spaces. These systems feature:
   • Flush-mounted nozzles for optimal placement, ensuring the same efficacious treatment every time
   • Validated, pre-programmed cycles to reduce human error and enhanced compliance with cGMP protocols
4. Fully Customized Integrated Systems
   For maximum control and compliance, facilities can install fully automated, integrated biodecontamination systems. From pass boxes and material airlocks to whole facilities, these systems may include:
   • HMI touchscreen controls
   • Validated and standardized treatment cycles
   • FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and possibly PQ testing before deployment

   Automated validation not only ensures repeatable, high-level disinfection (>6-log sporicidal kill) but also prevents costly mistakes due to manual input errors.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Adopting Smart Disinfection minimizes retesting, missed surfaces, and protocol deviations. You gain consistent, high-efficacy results every time—and with automated recordkeeping, you can easily demonstrate your compliance and due diligence during audits or inspections.

“Smart disinfection doesn’t just enhance safety—it enables it.” — CURIS Subject Matter Expert

Have questions about how Smart Disinfection fits into your facility?

Contact us today. CURIS SMEs have deep expertise in cleanrooms, aseptic processing, and containment spaces—and can help ensure your facility achieves reliable, validated disinfection results, even in the most complex settings.

*than 35% H₂O₂

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities (2020).
   Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/guidelines/environmental-guidelines-H.pdf
   Accessed: June 23, 2025.