US · guidance
CMS SOM App. H, Tag V214
ANSI/AAMI RD52:2004 Requirements as Adopted by Reference 42 CFR 494.40(a)
5.3.4 Bacterial control devices
5.3.4.1 Ultraviolet irradiators
Ultraviolet irradiators: When used to control bacterial proliferation in water storage and
distribution systems, UV irradiation devices shall be fitted with a low-pressure mercury
lamp that emits light at a wavelength of 254 nm and provides a dose of radiant energy of 30
milliwatt-sec/cm2, [except in the case described below]. The device shall be sized for the
maximum anticipated flow rate according to the manufacturer's instructions. [ANSI/AAMI
RD52:2004 requirements for UV irradiators intended for use in hemodialysis applications
directs users to RD62:2001, Section 4.3.13]
5.3.4.1 Ultraviolet irradiators
If the irradiator includes a meter as described above, the minimum dose of radiant energy
should be at least 16 milliwatt-sec/cm2.
To prevent the use of sublethal doses of radiation that may lead to the development of
resistant strains of bacteria, UV irradiators shall be equipped with a calibrated ultraviolet
intensity meter …or with an on-line monitor of radiant energy output that activates a
visible alarm, which indicates that the lamp should be replaced. Alternatively, the lamp
should be replaced on a predetermined schedule according to the manufacturer’s
instructions to maintain the recommended radiant energy output.
6.3.4 Bacterial control devices
6.3.4.1 Ultraviolet irradiators
Ultraviolet irradiators intended for use as a direct means of bacterial control shall be
monitored for radiant energy output. UV irradiators should be monitored at the frequency
recommended by the manufacturer. A log sheet should be used to indicate that monitoring
has been performed.
Interpretive Guidance § 494.40(a)
ANSI/AAMI RD52:2004
5.3.4 Bacterial control devices
5.3.4.1 Ultraviolet irradiators
[Equipment]
The recommendations provided in this clause concern UV irradiators used specifically for
bacterial control.
Page 78 of 420
Ultraviolet irradiators (also known as UV lights) may be used to control bacterial proliferation
in purified water storage and distribution systems. UV irradiators contain a low-pressure
mercury lamp that emits ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 254 nm. The lamp is housed in a
transparent quartz sleeve that isolates it from direct contact with the water. If the irradiator is
not fitted with a calibrated ultraviolet intensity meter that is filtered to restrict its sensitivity to
the disinfection spectrum and that is installed in the wall of the disinfection chamber at the point
of greatest water depth from the lamp, the dose of radiant energy provided by the lamp shall be
at least 30 milliwatt-sec/cm2.
6.3.4 Bacterial control devices
6.3.4.1 Ultraviolet irradiators
[Monitoring]
UV irradiators are available equipped with radiant energy intensity sensors. A visual alarm or
an output meter is acceptable for determining if the UV lamp is emitting sufficient radiant
energy.
Because the radiant energy decreases with time, annual lamp replacement is typically required.
Periodic cleaning of the quartz sleeve may also be required, depending on the water quality.
Additional Guidance:
Monitoring may be accomplished by any of the following options: use of a meter to monitor
intensity of the lamp, use of an on-line monitor that activates an alarm, or replacement on a
predetermined schedule.
The use of a UV irradiator in a bicarbonate distribution system may have a totally different role.
If ozone is used to disinfect that system, the UV irradiator may be used to break down the ozone.
If the UV irradiator is part of the bicarbonate distribution system, responsible staff must be able
to describe the intended purpose of the UV in that application. Monitoring of the irradiator is
still required, but there is no need to follow an irradiator used in the bicarbonate distribution
system with an ultrafilter or other endotoxin-retentive device.
History
Rev.
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
bb60d674e830ddbef8299489ed43f5ba8539502d807f611cf41ffac67edeff62
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