The removal of airborne SARS-CoV-2 and other microbial bioaerosols by air filtration on COVID-19 surge units
Summary
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the respiratory isolation capacity in hospitals; many wards lacking high-frequency air changes have been repurposed for managing patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 requiring either standard or intensive care. Hospital-acquired COVID-19 is a recognised problem amongst both patients and staff, with growing evidence for the relevance of airborne transmission. This study examined the effect of air filtration and ultra-violet (UV) light sterilisation on detectable airborne SARS-CoV-2 and other microbial bioaerosols.
Methods We conducted a crossover study of portable air filtration and sterilisation devices in a repurposed ‘surge’ COVID ward and ‘surge’ ICU. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cyclonic aerosol samplers and PCR assays were used to detect the presence of airborne SARS-CoV-2 and other microbial bioaerosol with and without air/UV filtration.
Results Airborne SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the ward on all five days before activation of air/UV filtration, but on none of the five days when the air/UV filter was operational; SARS-CoV-2 was again detected on four out of five days when the filter was off. Airborne SARS-CoV-2 was infrequently detected in the ICU. Filtration significantly reduced the burden of other microbial bioaerosols in both the ward (48 pathogens detected before filtration, two after, p=0.05) and the ICU (45 pathogens detected before filtration, five after p=0.05).
Conclusions These data demonstrate the feasibility of removing SARS-CoV-2 from the air of repurposed ‘surge’ wards and suggest that air filtration devices may help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2.
Funding Wellcome Trust, MRC, NIHR
Additional Information
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System specifications
- Filter type G4 / HEPA 13 / Activated Carbon Ionization / UV-C
- Lifetime UV-C 8000h
- Max Air Flow incl. Filters 800m/h
- Noise Level 30~56 dB(A)
- Weight 15kg
- Recommended Room Size 200m3
- (W x D x H) 65 cm x 49 cm x 93 cm
- Filter type G4 / HEPA 13 / Activated Carbon Ionization / UV-C
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Functional Capabilities
- Inhalation allergies can disappear.
- 100% Safe use of UV as ISO 15858
- Compact high performance mobile units.
- Intelligent filter monitoring.
- Destroys bacteria and virus DNA.
- Reduces spread of bacteria & viruses.
- Inhalation allergies can disappear.
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- Helps prevent spread of disease.
- Positive effect on your health.
- Filters are tested to: ISO 16890 -1:2016 / EN1822-1:2019
- Purifies and disinfects the air up to 99.999%
- Voltage 230V
- Total Power 80W
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Operation Area : It has been developed for public spaces such as Hospitals, Clinics, Care Homes, Pharmacies, Laboratories, Schools, Colleges, Offices or any indoor area where there could be nasty airborne micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, dust mites & spores, and render them unable to reproduce.
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UV-C Steriliser : Powerful 100% concealed ozone-free UV-C lamps deliver killer rays to destroy viruses and bacteria by disrupting their DNA and help prevent the spread of virus and infectious diseases but do not replace the need to take other precautions.
Importance of Air Quality
The importance of air quality in our living spaces cannot be overstated. Poor indoor air quality can have a range of negative effects on our health, including increased risk of respiratory problems, headaches, and other symptoms. Having an air purifier in your living space can help to remove pollutants, allergens, and other harmful substances from the air, improving indoor air quality and promoting better health.
It's important to choose an air purifier that meets your specific needs and the needs of your living space. Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier include the size of your room, the type of pollutants you want to remove, and your budget. Additionally, it's important to choose an air purifier from a reputable brand with a good reputation for quality and performance.
MAXVAC RANGE
The MAXVAC brand is proudly Swiss. We are passionate about designing and producing equipment that reduces our customers impact on the world & provides them with much improved and safer working environments.