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.

Eliminate waterborne infections by filtering shower and sink water with a .005 micron filter.  The Nephros SafeShower comes as a hand-held or a fixed-head unit.  Sinks can be fitted with the SSU ultrafilter.  Most filters are only .02 microns and they don’t last as long as the Nephros filters.  The Nephros filters have quick-connect fittings that allow for easy changes.

Reduce the chance of healthcare associated infections (HAIs).  Hospital water systems are often overlooked as an infection source.  Nephros SSU filters are an inexpensive was to provide biologically pure water.

ASHRAE has published a public review draft for the proposed new Standard 188, Prevention of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems.

Section 8.4.4 covers water systems including sinks, showers and ice machines.  Figure B1 (page20) has a process flow diagram for potable water service.  Point of use filtration with the right level of filtration can solve bacterial contamination problems.

Central Michigan University released the results of a national survey of 900 hospitals showing inconsistent testing of tap water.  Hospital patients with weak immune systems, infants and the elderly are at risk from exposure to waterborne pathogens

According to Mark Cwiek, health science faculty, “The most overlooked and controllable potential source of hospital-acquired infection is in the tap water.”  CMU is advocating weekly testing, along with a waterborne risk management plan and training, which can be obtained from a variety of sources. CMU has also provided suggestions for patients while they are in the hospital

Water filtration at the point-of-use can solve the majority of exposures to waterborne pathogens.  Inexpensive filter solutions for drinking and showering are available.  Biologically pure water is easy to implement in all hospitals.

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.

Hospital water systems contain aquatic microorganisms that can be transferred to vulnerable patients.  Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) can be reduced by filtering the water at the point of use on tubs, sinks and showers.

Most filters only filter to 0.02 microns.  The Nephros SSU is a 0.005 micron ultrafilter that will give you biologically pure water.  The filters have a quick-connect system for quick and easy changes.  The new Single Stage Ultrafilter (SSU) is available in three models; inline for sinks and tubs, hand-held shower and fixed-head shower.

Less than 10% of US hospitals test their water daily.  Patients with weak immune systems are at risk for infection from exposure to waterborne pathogens.  A study conducted by Central Michigan University calls for Federal mandates to test tap water in hospitals to reduce the incidence of healthcare acquired infections (HAIs).  Areas that patients should be cautious of include drinking water (including ice), showers, and a host of other equipment found in hospitals (nebulizers, eyewash stations, vaporizers, etc).

The Nephros filters have a 0.005 micron membrane and are designed for use in hospital settings to control waterborne pathogens at the point of use.

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 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed a new standard to help prevent Legionellosis from contaminating building water systems (ASHRAE Standards 188P)

Although there are myriad ‘guidance’ documents specifying how to control Legionella, Standard 188P provides the specifications on what to do with all that information.

Nephros filters are available in a variety of sizes for different applications.  The 0.005 micron filters will control Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) including Legionella.

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.