PALL BB50T Breathing Circuit Filter

Hydrophobic bidirectional filter for mechanical ventilators and other medical gas equipment

Features

• Pleated hydrophobic membrane
• Large membrane surface area
• Validated microbial filtration efficiency
• Removes ribavirin and pentamidine exhaust
• Free of natural rubber latex

Benefits

• Establishes a barrier and minimizes exposure of equipment and staff to water, particulate, microbial contamination, and nebulized medication droplet infusion into equipment and/or breathing circuit
• Minimal pressure drop across the membrane
• > 99.999% bacterial/viral removal efficiency (monodispersed aerosol testing)
• Reduces cost and waste   
• Will not stimulate latex sensitivity

The Pall BB50T Breathing Circuit Filter is a highly efficient, single use, bidirectional bacterial/viral removal filter. It is indicated for use on ventilators, water bath humidifiers and other medical gas equipment (e.g. oxygen concentrators, nebulizers) where the gas outlet fitting complies to ISO 5356-1 for the protection of the patient, staff, equipment and environment. It provides >99.999% bacterial and viral efficiency, and it has a maximum use life of 48 hours when not exposed to nebulized medication.

Note: Filter changes should be performed in accordance with department policy. Ventilator pressure alarms should be in use at all times. Although rare, progressive increase in resistance to airflow may occur during liquid drug nebulization. Therefore, vigilance should be maintained. Under certain conditions, the nebulization of drugs or solutions may result in a sudden increase in the resistance of the expiratory filter, necessitating replacement. For example, if drugs or solutions that contain detergents, have surfactant properties, or contain mucolytics are ultrasonically nebulized or nebulized in the presence of a heated humidifier, an increased risk of greater resistance to flow may be observed due to blockage of the hydrophobic membrane. Therefore, prior to nebulization of drugs or solutions for the first time, consult with the drug product manufacturer and closely monitor airway pressure to assure continuing air flow to the patient. If resistance is found in the filter, remove the filter from the breathing circuit and replace with a new filter.

The ceramic bonded, pleated hydrophobic membrane of the Pall BB50T minimizes potential contamination by both airborne and liquidborne microorganisms.^1-4 It has been specifically validated to remove Hepatitis C virus¹, HIV², Mycobacterium tuberculosis², and Staphylococcus aureus.³ It has also been demonstrated to display a water intrusion pressure (hydrophobicity) in excess of 50 cm H₂O.

The Pall BB50T filter is free of natural latex rubber, and it has been tested to retain natural rubber latex allergens contained in liquids and airborne particles.^5-6 It protects healthcare staff and the environment from medication exposure by removing aerosolized ribavirin^7,8, pentamidine⁹, histamine¹⁰, and methacholine¹¹ exhaust droplets. Finally, it minimizes equipment down time by shielding transducers from damage due to water and medication.

Specifications

Specification	Performance
Filter material	Pleated hydrophobic membrane
Liquid borne bacterial/viral 100% removal efficiency7	100%
Airborne bacterial/viral removal efficiency	>99.999%
Resistance at 60 L/min	Approx 1.0 cm H20
Connections ISO tapers	Patient side: 22 mm OD Breathing system side: 22 mm ID
Construction	Transparent, non-conductive
Filter volume	Approx 90 mL
Weight	Approx 39 g
Recommended use	48-hour maximum use life (< 24 hours if exposed to nebulized medication)

1. Lloyd, G. et al. Barriers to Hepatitis C transmission within breathing systems: efficacy of a pleated hydrophobic filter. Anesthesia and Intensive Care. 1997. 25:235-238.
2. Speight, S. et al. Efficacy of a pleated hydrophobic filter as a barrier to Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission within breathing systems. Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK. 1995.
3. Rosales, M. and V. Dominguez. In vitro ability of HME filters to protect intubated patients against bacterial contamination. 2nd International Conference on Prevention of Infection, Nice, France, May 4-5, 1992.
4. Hedley, R.J. and J. Allt-Graham. A comparison of the filtration properties of heat and moisture exchangers. Anaesthesia. 1992. 47:414-420.
5. Barbara, J. et al. Retention of airborne latex paticles by a bacterial and viral filter used in anaesthesia apparatus. Anaesthesia. 2001. 56(3):231-234.
6. Chen, Z. and A. Capewell. Retention characteristics of Pall breathing system filters for aqueous solutions of allergenic natural rubber latex proteins. Pall Scientific and Laboratory Services Technical Report BB136, Pall Europe. 2000.
7. Demers, R. Update: Ribavirin administration during mechanical ventilation. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy. 1991. 27(3):9-14.
8. Matlock, D. et al. A local exhaust ventilation system to reduce airborne ribavirin concentrations. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal. 1991. 52(10):428-432.
9. Demers, R. and G. Smaldone. Pentamidine deposition with a modified respirgard nebulizer. Respiratory Care. 1991. 36(11):1279.
10. Juniper E.F., D.W. Cockcroft, and F.E. Hargreave. Histamine and methacholine inhalation tests: tidal breathing method. Laboratory procedure and standardisation. Canadian Thoracic Society. AB DRACO, LUND, Sweden 1991.

PALL BB50T Breathing Circuit Filter
	Part Number	Description	Pkg
	BB50T	Pall Breathing Circuit Filter	50 filters per case