LIV Process Launches Innovative Microbial Visualization Technology at IDWeek 2025
In the heart of Atlanta, where leaders in infectious disease are gathering for IDWeek 2025 from October 19 to 22, Philadelphia-based biotechnology company LIV Process is making waves with its breakthrough technology that addresses one of the persistent challenges in healthcare: hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
LIV Process has developed a patented technology capable of making the notoriously difficult pathogen Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) visible on surfaces. This innovative product is unique in that it allows healthcare facilities to visualize any pathogen on any surface without the need for a microscope, fundamentally changing the approach to infection control in medical settings.
Unlike traditional disinfectants that simply kill bacteria, LIV Process's solution binds itself to resilient spores of pathogens like C. diff. When applied under a specialized light, this reveals areas of contamination that are typically invisible to the naked eye. As a visual tool, it enables hospitals to audit the effectiveness of cleaning operations, providing instant feedback to environmental services teams. This feature is particularly crucial in closing the gap in infection prevention that has plagued hospitals for years.
Michael McIntyre, the founder and CEO of LIV Process, explained the significance of their technology: "C. diff spores are notoriously difficult to eradicate. They can linger on surfaces for months, even after thorough cleaning efforts. Our aim is to save lives immediately by making the unseen visible. By pinpointing where pathogens persist, we empower frontline staff to focus on areas that need thorough cleaning and sanitization."
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), C. diff infections are among the primary causes of HAIs in the United States. Annually, they affect nearly 500,000 patients and lead to over 29,000 deaths, with the risk particularly heightened among older adults. In fact, one in eleven adults aged sixty-five and older who contract a C. diff infection dies within a month. Despite the implementation of various preventive measures over the years, such as stringent hand hygiene protocols and antimicrobial usage, infection rates remain alarmingly high. A study published in EClinicalMedicine in 2019 reported that existing hospital policies alone are insufficient, signaling the need for innovative, multifaceted solutions.
LIV Process directly meets this challenge by providing hospitals and infection control teams with the capability to see microbial contamination in real-time, thereby opening the door for continuous improvements in hygiene practices. The company is partnering with several prominent healthcare systems, including the University of Virginia Health, University Health San Antonio, University of Southern California, UMass Memorial Health, and the Cleveland VA, to validate and expand the use of its technology.
While the immediate focus is indeed hospitals, LIV Process envisions broader applications of its technology. Future uses could extend into home healthcare, long-term care facilities, food safety, and even large venues like stadiums, where surface contamination poses risks to public health.
LIV Process stands at the forefront of a new wave in microbial visualization technology, with a profound goal of enhancing sanitation and effectively reducing infections within healthcare environments. Their patented, water-based solution and specialized lighting technology are already in play within various leading health systems nationwide, demonstrating their commitment to empowering frontline staff and setting new standards for infection prevention worldwide.
As the infectious disease community converges for IDWeek 2025, the unveiling of LIV Process's innovative technology promises to spark vital discussions about the future of healthcare sanitation and the urgent need for innovative solutions to protect patients and staff alike from the dangers of hospital-acquired infections.