Learn More About Healthcare Point-of-Use Water Filters

What is a Point-of-Use Water Filter?

2021년 1월 8일

이 페이지 공유

 

This page references guidelines and classifications and is intended primarily for the United States. These are denoted below with an asterisk

 

Point-of-use (POU) water filters are designed to reduce or remove waterborne contaminants, including pathogens, right at the end of the water system at the faucet or shower. As water flows through the POU filter, the filtration technology retains harmful pathogens, which ultimately improves water quality. The filters are especially valuable in healthcare settings, particularly when patients may be immunocompromised. Studies show these filters can reduce infections and healthcare costs by preventing waterborne pathogens from reaching the patient.1

 

POU(Point-of-Use) 정수 필터는 미생물 등급(박테리아의 로그 감소) 또는 제균 등급(박테리아 완전 포집)이어야 합니다. 이는 POU(Point-of-Use) 필터가 현재 적용되는 ASTM 표준 F838에 따라 테스트되어야 함을 의미하며, 유기체를 얼마나 잘 보유하는지 판단하기 위해 매우 작은 박테리아의 특정 농도로 테스트해야 합니다. 일반적으로 POU(Point-of-Use) 정수 필터는 0.2마이크론 또는 그 이하의 등급을 가지고 있습니다. 하지만 POU(Point-of-Use) 필터를 평가할 때는 마이크론 크기  ASTM F838 테스트 결과를 모두 고려해야 합니다. 같은 마이크론 크기라도 모든 필터가 동일하게 만들어지지는 않습니다.

 

In future topics, a deeper dive will be taken into the ASTM F838 standard and what to consider when comparing point-of-use filters and filter technologies.

 

 

 

How Are Point-Of-Use Filters Used?

 

POU water filters can be used proactively for patient protection* and reactively when responding to a waterborne challenge, positive waterborne pathogen samples, or an outbreak. In the United States, they should be considered when producing and updating water management plans that meet ASHRAE 188* and CMS Memo 17-30-Hospitals/CAHs/NHs* guidelines. In fact, as of March 2020, point-of-use filters are a suggested control measure according to ASHRAE 12-2020*.

 

If a POU filter is a FDA 510(k) Class II Medical Device*, then it must be used according to its instructions for use. The requirements for use of POU filters vary widely across manufacturers so ensure these are being followed to eliminate unnecessary liability and risk.

 

Where are Point-Of-Use Water Filters Used?

 

Patients may be exposed to waterborne pathogens in many ways. For example, inhalation or aspiration of water droplets, contamination of equipment with tap water, or hands washed in contaminated tap water all can increase the risk of infection.2

 

If used during outbreak, POU water filters would typically be installed on all fixtures in the impacted area. This allows patients and staff to continue to use the water at greatly reduced risk.

 

According to ASHRAE 12-2020*, “Point-of-use and inline filters are often used to provide a temporary pathogen barrier but may also be used to provide a long-term pathogen barrier…Facilities with areas designated for treating or housing persons considered at-risk for Legionnaires’ disease, such as those receiving treatment for burns or receiving chemotherapy for cancer; those receiving treatment associated with solid organ or bone marrow transplantation; those with underlying diseases, such as cancer, renal disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease; those taking drugs that weaken the immune system; those otherwise immunocompromised; the elderly; and smokers”3

 

 

Point-Of-Use Filter History

 

Pall created the first disposable POU water filter 20 years ago to address the problem of waterborne pathogens. Since then, these filters continue to be improved with longer life and validated with additional organisms.

 

References

이 페이지 공유
Contact Us to Learn about our Filtration and Membrane Solutions
By clicking the 'contact us' button below and proceeding I confirm that I have reviewed and agree with the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.

Marissa Khoukaz - Business Development Manager— Hospital Water

Marissa is Pall Medical’s Business Development Manager for Hospital Water and manages the Pall Medical’s prefiltration portfolio globally. She is a healthcare water expert, working with high-risk units to reduce waterborne pathogen risk to patients.
Marissa is Pall Medical’s Business Development Manager for Hospital Water and manages the Pall Medical’s prefiltration portfolio globally. She is a healthcare water expert, working with high-risk units to reduce waterborne pathogen risk to patients.
더 읽어보기