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Q: Has this technology been assessed or approved by any independent agency ?
A: Yes. The Rapid Review Panel was set up by the UK Department of Health in 2004 to facilitate the review by an independent panel of infection control experts of products / technologies which could be used to combat Healthcare Acquired Infections (HCAI’s) - or “Superbugs” - in NHS Hospitals. There is currently no equivalent group in Ireland. This group have awarded Bioquells HPV technology the highest possible rating of Catagory 1 approval.
In the words of the Rapid Review Panel: “Basic research and development, validation and recent use evaluations have shown proven benefits that should be available to the NHS bodies to include as appropriate in their cleaning, hygiene or infection control protocols.”
Q: How does the RBDS cycle work ?
A: A cycle consists of 4 stages
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System test: A test cycle is run to ensure that all equipment is working correctly.
Gassing: HPV is injected into the room until saturation point is reached .
Dwell: We maintain the level in the HPV in the room for a pre-defined length of time (typically 15 minutes). It is during this phase that kill takes place.
Aeration. We use either our patented aerators to breakdown the HPV or the buildings HVAC system to purge the HPV to atmosphere. |
For a more detailed explanation of the cycle please look at RBDS : The Theory
Q: What size area can be covered by RBDS ?
A: The equipment used in RBDS is infinitely scaleable. Each component of the RBDS equipment is designed as a stand alone unit that is connected to a network as required. This means we can use anything from 1 generator to thousands of generators and an infinite number of aerators. We can also add Instrumentation modules and control panels as required. A network is built to suit each individual application. We have decontaminated everything from a car to a 50,000 m2 facility.
Q: Is HPV effective against your particular pathogen ?
A: We have a comprehensive efficacy data on HPV which can be downloaded from the “Technical Corner” of the website. This list is constantly being added to so if your pathogen is not listed please contact us.
Q: How long is an RBDS Cycle?
A: This depends on the size of the area to be de-contaminated. A typical 250m3 room takes approximately 90 minutes, whilst an 18,000m3 facility can be completed with only 12 hours of total facility downtime.
Typical cycle times for a hospital are :
| Single isolation room including ensuite: |
Approx 90 minutes |
| 2 Bed bay including ensuite: |
Approx 90 minutes. |
| 6 bed bay: |
Approx 2.5 to 3 hours. |
| 12 bed ward: |
Approx 6 to 8 hours. |
Q: How do you verify a cycle is effective?
A: As standard we use Biological indicators to verify each cycle. The Biological indicators we use are independently enumerated and consist of 6-log Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores on a stainless steel coupon. This is the same protocol used to verify steam autoclaves.
Q: Does the HPV used in Bioquell’s RBDS effect equipment or instrumentation?
A: Bioquell’s HPV is safe to use on sensitive electronic equipment including PC’s, Monitors, Keyboards, defibrillators, production machines etc. We have completed thousands of decontamination cycles worldwide without any adverse effects reported. Before we undertake any job our engineers do an extensive site survey and will advise you of any potential problems.
Q: Does the HPV used in Bioquell’s RBDS leave a residue?
A: HPV leaves no residue and breaks down naturally into water vapour and oxygen so no post cycle cleaning is required.
Q: Can RBDS replace our regular cleaning?
A: No. RBDS has been designed to complement cleaning. Regular cleaning is an important first step at removing environmental contamination. HPV needs cosmetically clean surfaces to be effective. Any build up of dust, spillages, or dirt will be detrimental to the efficacy of HPV.
Q: Do we need to evacuate our facility while the cycle is being run?
A: No. The area being decontaminated needs to be empty of personnel but work can continue as normal in all surrounding areas. Typically our engineers seal the area to be decontaminated and monitor the area outside for leakage using HPV monitors. In hospitals we do a single room while the rest the ward is occupied by patients.
Q: How safe is HPV?
A: HPV is non carcinogen and indeed Hydrogen Peroxide is used to treat cuts and scrapes. Its exposure limits are typically 10 times that of formaldehyde.
Q: How dangerous is HPV to the environment?
A: HPV is completely safe to the environment. It breaks down naturally into Water and Oxygen and leaves no toxic residues. Indeed in the larger facilities we encourage the use of HVAC system to purge the HPV to the atmosphere to reduce cycle times
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