Potable Water in Healthcare Facilities
Background, Facts and Solutions for Water Management Programs
In water distribution systems biofilm can develop within a few days even if the water meets drinking water criteria. Biofilm protects the microorganisms within from chemical agents and thermal disinfection procedures, and is extremely difficult to completely eradicate once established. Biofilms contain a large variety of waterborne microorganisms including protozoa (e.g. Acanthamoeba), fungi (e.g. Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp.) and a number of human pathogenic bacteria.
Legionella pneumophila is perhaps the best-known waterborne bacterium colonizing biofilm, and it can be found in both central storage areas (e.g. water tanks) as well as peripheral water outlets. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to be a major cause of severe infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, wound and skin infections. Inhalation and aspiration represent the established transmission pathways for Legionella spp., whereas Pseudomonas spp. is reported to be mainly transmitted by contact and aspiration.
Point-of-Use situations" to "Point-of-Use (POU) Water Filters are considered general hospital equipment. They act as a physical barrier to common waterborne pathogens and are typically used in areas such as Bone Marrow Transplant Units, Organ Transplant Units, Oncological Units, Neonatology Care Units and Intensive Care Units, endoscopic reprocessing, birthing pools and kitchen (for food preparation and drinking water provision). POU Water Filters are quickly installed, which makes them an effective and immediate management tool in acute water contamination situations.
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Filtration Solutions
Patient Protection from Waterborne Pathogen
Physical barrier against common waterborne pathogens Water distribution systems within buildings can become contaminated with a variety of microorganisms, some of which may be pathogenic and may represent an infection risk.
Pall-Aquasafe Disposable Water Filters (AQF4, AQF42, AQ31F1S, AQ31F1S2, AQ31F1R, AQ31F1R2, AQIN) for up to 31 day use:
- Are indicated to remove bacteria, protozoa, fungi and particles* from the water supply by acting as a physical barrier to common waterborne pathogens. To ensure optimal efficacy when the filtered water is used for this purpose, the water filters are provided as sterile products, sterilised by irradiation.
- The filtered water is suitable for topical applications such as showering and washing, personal hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, for consumption and the preparation of cold drinks and food*
- Are typically used in areas such as Bone Marrow Transplant Units, Organ Transplant Units, Oncological Units, Neonatology Care Units and Intensive Care Units
- Are individually integrity tested during manufacture
- Contain double layer sterilising grade Supor® membrane which is rated and validated at 0.2 µm*.
Where local practices and regulations allow
Pall QPoint® Filter Capsules (QJ22, QJ212, QR22, QR212)
for up to 62 day use:
- Are indicated to remove bacteria, protozoa, fungi and particles* from the water supply by acting as a physical barrier to common waterborne pathogens. To ensure optimal efficacy when the filtered water is used for this purpose, the water filters are provided as sterile products, sterilised by irradiation.
- The filtered water is suitable for topical applications such as showering and washing, personal hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, for consumption and the preparation of cold drinks and food**
- Are typically used in areas such as Bone Marrow Transplant Units, Organ Transplant Units, Oncological Units, Neonatology Care Units and Intensive Care Units
- Are individually integrity tested during manufacture
- Contain double layer sterilising grade Supor® membrane which is rated and validated at 0.2 µm*.
* Where local practices and regulations allow.
