Biologically Safe Water Filters

The Journal of Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (NDT) has just released an abstract of a study on the effect of ultrapure dialysate.

The short abstract concludes that ultrapure dialysate in hemodialysis decreases inflammation and oxidative stress, increases serum albumin and hemoglobin and decreases the erythropoietin requirements.

Nephros DSU and SSU ultrafilters can polish RO or DI water and bicarbonate to ultrapure levels, which allows the dialysis provider to achieve ultrapure status.

NDT (Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation) has just published an article “Dialysis Water and Fluid Purity: More Than Endotoxin”. This article highlights that the chronic exposure of HD patients to low levels of cytokine-inducing microbial components can contribute to the micro inflammatory status of these patients.

Higher purity dialysate (Ultrapure) will reduce the  microbial impact to patients and result in a lower inflammatory status.  This also has a side benefit of a reduced need for certain drugs (EPO), resulting in a cost savings per treatments.  For additional information and studies on ultrafilters, please visit www.biologicalwaterfilters.com.

AAMI microbial standards for dialysis continue to be strengthened.  Machine manufacturers are now recommending the use of dialysate filters for microbiological control.  There is a big difference between filters when it comes to capabilities and life span.

Using Nephros filters, you can lower your cost for ultrapure dialysate filters; plus, you can lower your use of EPO.  Specifications for the Nephros filters show a one year replacement cycle when used post RO/DI.  Instructions for Use.

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.

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.

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.