In-Line

In-Line Water Filters for Infection Control

Robust Protection Against Bacteria, Viruses, and Endotoxins

Potable water is subject to a variety of biological contaminants including bacteria, viruses, and endotoxins. Bacteria and viruses are both capable of causing pneumonia, fevers, and even death. Endotoxins are capable of producing threatening inflammatory reactions, and even more significant health risks when present in water used for medical procedures. In-line water filters are an effective and proactive means of protection against each of these biological contaminants.

Sources of Bacterial, Viral, or Endotoxin Contamination

Sink faucets and showers are devices that can aerosolize waterborne pathogens (i.e., Legionella) and cause serious illness. Water-fed appliances such as ice machines, washers, or manufacturing equipment are frequently subject to pathogen risk if not properly maintained or if the source water is not adequately treated.

Biofilm

Plumbing fixtures and machines that dispense or use water are all susceptible to biofilm growth. Biofilm is capable of developing anywhere water stagnates and surfaces exist, but especially where hard-water (scale) calcium buildup is present, as calcium feeds the proliferation of biofilm.

In-line Water Filters for Hospitals and Healthcare

Within many healthcare facilities, machines may be equipped with conditioning filtration that enhances taste or reduces hardness, but the standards of these filters are often well below what is required for proper infection control. In fact, a quick read of the fine print on a machine’s water filter will likely include the phrase “do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe…” – this is a clear indication that a more robust solution is required, such as an in-line, medical-grade water filters designed for infection control.

Additionally, hospitals and healthcare facilities are required to develop water management plans that adhere to the stringent requirements of CMS and the Joint Commission. Such plans must include both control measures and corrective actions. In-line water filters are ideal as control measures, installed directly into plumbing lines to protect patients, visitors, and staff against bacteria, viruses, and endotoxins. 

Applications of In-line Water Filters

In-line water filters integrate seamlessly into water distribution systems, and afford flexible application into a wide variety of fixtures and equipment. If desired, these filters can be installed out of sight, behind paneling or within a cabinet. For environments which may require ligature-free setups, such as corrections facilities or behavioral health units, in-line water filters are the perfect, concealed solution. 

How We Help

Nephros in-line filters provide a reliable barrier against bacteria, viruses, and endotoxins for up to 90 days (3 months) or 180 days (6 months). Featuring hollow-fiber technology with a 0.005 pore size – the smallest on the market, our solutions are 510(k) – cleared as Class II filters to aid in infection control and backed by strict testing standards and performance accountability.

Nephros in-line water filters feature long life and may provide significant savings on time and labor costs with less frequent changeouts required in a single year versus competitor products. Additionally, if our in-line filters are already installed before a compromised water event or outbreak hits, our filters may remain in place with no changeout required. Each of our in-line models will continue to perform as intended up to the specified filter life.

Nephros in-line offer is represented by our DSU-H (dual stage) and SSU-H (single-stage) water filters.

Protect your facility and resources with the discreet and flexible installation options of Nephros in-line water filters. Contact us now for more information.