Biologically Safe Water Filters

In order to combat Legionella, many hospitals have installed water filters on sinks and showers.  The majority of these filters are 0.2 micron and need to be changed every 14-30 days, depending on the filter type.  The costs for these  filters and the labor to change them have added significant expense.

The Nephros DSU and SSU  are ultrafilters; at 0.005 microns, they are a major improvement over the 0.2 micron filters. The single-stage ultrafilter (SSU) for sinks, will last at least 2 months (VS 14 days).  The dual-stage ultrafilter (DSU) for showers, will last at least 3 months (VS  30 days).

Since both filters last longer, fewer changes per year will reduce the labor costs.   Installation Videos and specifications are available on our website.

The Nephros SSU can be used post RO to ensure bacterial water quality.  The FDA 510k cleared .005 micron filter has quick-connect fittings that allow the filter to be installed on the line feeding dialysis machines.  The model 0223D has a flow rate similar to the DSU and a life span of about 1 year when used post RO.

For clinics with a central bicarb feed, the SSU is ideal for use between the wallbox and dialysis  machine.  This allows you to achieve a higher quality dialysate and ultimately lower your EPO usage.

The Nephros SSU (single-stage ultrafilter) attaches directly to any faucet.  The DSU (dual-stage ultrafilter) is installed under the cabinet prior to the faucet, as it has a greater capacity.

Traditional filters use a flat sheet (pleated) membrane of a limited surface area.  As a result, they need to have fairly large pores (0.2 microns) to allow for adequate flow.  The Nephros ultrafilters use a hollow fiber membrane which allows for 10x the surface area in the same volume.  As a result, Nephros uses a much smaller pore size (0.005 microns) and still get high flow rates.  Nephros only makes the one porosity because it has a unique advantage over sheet membranes when used in tap water.  The pore sizes are so small they do not become clogged with particulate.  This results in filter life at least 10x longer than traditional membranes.  The surface area of the Nephros SSU is 0.7 m².

The SSU is ideal for those who require biologically pure water (it does not address chemical contaminants).  Patients requiring ultrapure water for wound care can install these filters on shower lines as well.

Frequent disinfection of portable ROs and regular culture readings are required to keep portable RO systems within the AAMI standards for dialysis.  Water quality standards for acute care are difficult to maintain since many units are not operated for several days.

Installing a filter post RO/DI to ‘polish’ the water just prior to entering the dialysis machine is your best insurance for delivering quality water (Be sure your line from the RO to the machine is clean).

The Nephros DSU provides the water flow rate and bacteria protection necessary for dialysis.  The .005 micron filter (most others are .02) exceeds AAMI standards.  It should last at least a year with regular use and installation is simple.  The Nephros DSU is a cost-effective way to provide a safe water source for your dialysis patients.

How clean is the water you use on your burn and wound care patients?  Many aquatic microorganisms can survive and flourish in hospital water systems and these can be transferred to vulnerable hospital patients.

Eliminate waterborne infections and ensure the safety of immune-compromised and at-risk patients with the Nephros SSU.  This filter is a point-of-use .005 micron filter that provides high purity water for infection control.

Use on tubs/showers, and sinks.  Most other filters are only .02 microns.  Easy quick-connect system allows for quick changes.  Reduce healthcare associated infections (HAIs); the SSU provides water free of bacteria, viruses, fungi and cysts.

Hemodialysis International has just published an article indicating there may be a risk to hemodialysis patients using high doses of EPO.  There is no consensus about the toxicity of EPO, however, higher purity dialysate (ultrapure) will allow clinics to reduce their EPO useage; thus saving on drug costs while providing a better dialysis treatment for their patients.

Biological Water Filters creates biologically engineered water filters that are required for immuno-compromised patients in hospitals and health-conscious consumers in homes.  To learn more, contact us today at 407-444-1066.

Ultra-filtered water reduces infections and lowers costs in hospitals and outpatient clinics.  Patients who are immune compromised are at most risk for contracting waterborne infections.  Hospital water systems are often overlooked as an infection source.  Burn patients and ICU patients in general can benefit by filtering water at the point-of-use to reduce any chance of infection.  Hospitals are now being measured, and charged, for hospital acquired infections(HAIs).

Outpatient clinics and dialysis facilities can benefit from ultra-filtered water.  Dialysis uses large quantities of purified water per treatment.  New water standards have been established to lower the chance of infection for patients.  Reimbursement for patient treatments has changed and the cost for drugs (including EPO) is now part of the overall reimbursement.  By providing ultrapure dialysate for treatments, the caregiver reduces the inflammatory challenge to the patient, and this allows the clinic to use lesser drug amounts and save on their cost per treatment.

Nephros has multiple .005 micron ultrafilters to support medical facilities in their quest for infection control.  The DSU (Dual Stage Ultrafilter) is most commonly used in dialysis, post RO, to provide ultrapure water.  It is also used in ICUs for showers, under sinks and on ice machine water lines.

The SSU (Single Stage Ultrafilter) is smaller and has less capacity.  It is used on sink faucets and recently is available for dialysis on central feed bicarbonate lines as an end point filter at the wall box.

The MSU (Mega Stage Ultrafilter) has just received an FDA 510k clearance.  With it’s higher flow rate the MSU will be used in areas requiring flow rates larger than 14 liters/minute.

Biological Water Filters creates biologically engineered water filters that are required for immuno-compromised patients in hospitals and health-conscious consumers in homes.  To learn more, contact us today at 407-444-1066.

The new Nephros SSU filter, which recently received an FDA 510k, is a .005 micron, single-stage, ultrafilter that has multiple applications.

The SSU can be used in hospitals, where immune-compromised patients need extra protection from waterborne pathogens.  You can install the filter on the sinks in the room (faucet connection) or to water coolers or ice machines to provide ultrapure water.  Quick-connect fittings allow for a quick and easy change.

Dialysis units that have a central feed system for their bicarbonate can install the SSU at the wall box for each machine.  The inline configuration with the quick-connect fittings makes it easy to install and maintain.  The benefits of ultrapure dialysate will allow clinics to lower their use of EPO, which will lower their cost per treatment.

Biological Water Filters creates biologically engineered water filters that are required for immuno-compromised patients in hospitals and health-conscious consumers in homes.  To learn more, contact us today at 407-444-1066.

The SSU filter received 510k approval this month.  This smaller, single-stage filter is ideal for use on the bicarb central feed lines at the wall box.  The SSU can replace the more expensive DSU on the bicarb line just before the bicarb enters the dialysis machine.

A cost analysis on EPO savings using ultrapure dialysate shows how you can improve patient treatments and save significantly on EPO.

Thursday, July 14, 2011 – the FDA provided 510k clearance for the Nephros MSU and SSU filters.

The MSU filter provides a greater flow rate than the DSU (Dual Stage Ultrafilter) while maintaining the .005 micron pore size.  The SSU filter is a smaller, single-stage, ultrafilter cartridge that can be used in dialysis to filter central feed bicarbonate.  Hospitals, clinics and homeowners can also use the SSU on faucets and ice machines.

All the Nephros ultrafilters provide exceptional protection for patients and can help lower the cost of dialysis treatments as well as Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs).

Biological Water Filters creates biologically engineered water filters that are required for immuno-compromised patients in hospitals and health-conscious consumers in homes.  To learn more, contact us today at 407-444-1066.