Vitalograph's Bacterial Viral Filters Could Save Practices Thousands
Between early October to mid-January, figures from the Guardian say, 120 people died of flu-related symptoms in the UK, nearly three times as many as the previous year. With up to 30,000 people visiting a GP each week with influenza-like symptoms, the chance of infection spreading during spirometry tests is much higher. Using one-way valve cardboard mouthpieces during spirometry testing provides very little protection from bacteria and viruses passing straight through the spirometer, potentially infecting the member of staff administering the test. This lack of protection can lead to cross-infection between patients, lost work from staff illness, and increased treatment costs later on from infected patients.The Solution: Vitalograph's Bacterial Viral Filters
According to Dr Derek Cramer and Simon Ward, of the Royal Brompton Hospital, using a BVF is common practice in lung function testing in secondary care, however, it is far less common in primary care. By assuming any patient taking a lung function test is infectious and using a BVF for all patients, GP surgeries could dramatically improve their rates of cross-infection and protect their equipment, staff, and patients. By reducing the contamination risk during testing, GP surgeries could save thousands of pounds in lost staff hours and the further treatment of patients.How Do Bacterial/Viral Filters Work?
Vitalograph's BVFs use an electrostatically charged material to trap bacteria and viruses (including TB, MRSA & influenza) with a validated cross-contamination efficiency of 99.999%. This doesn't affect air flow at all, meaning you will see the same results as with cardboard mouthpieces but with reduced risk to the patient and clinician administering the test.
On top of the hygiene benefits of using BVFs, they can also reduce the time spent cleaning and sterilizing test equipment, which means more patients can be seen in a shorter time.