Medical Vacuum systems, supplied by Walker Filtration , are widely used to provide immediate and reliable suction for both medical and surgical procedures. In an environment increasingly sensitive to contamination and prevention of infection, filtration has become a must for these systems.
This document will outline the need for general and bacterial filtration, the standards and the recommendation for specification and maintenance of the appropriate filtration. The Need for Filtration The need for general filtration in any vacuum system is widely understood. Without adequate inlet filtration, damage can be inflicted on the vacuum pump itself causing loss of vacuum, contamination and potentially pump failure. Contaminants in the inlet pipeline can be particulate, dust, moisture and gases.
The outlet vent from a vacuum system can also contain particulates, oil and harmful gases. Correctly specified inlet and exhaust filters will deal effectively with all these contaminants. The Specific Need for Bacterial Filtration In any medical vacuum system, however, there is also the potential risk of carryover of hazardous biological contamination through the pipeline system and outlets. In order to protect the health of patients, health workers, service personnel and the population in general, it has been advised for some years to use and maintain bacterial filters.
If bacterial filtration is not installed prior to the vacuum pump or it is not maintained as per the manufacturers’ recommendations (ie every 6 months) there is significant risk not only of damage to vacuum pump performance and efficiency but of the vacuum pump itself becoming a bacterial breeding ground. Heat and moisture in a vacuum pump provide the ideal conditions for bacteria to breed. This puts vacuum pump technicians at risk and may result in the need to replace the pump itself. Far better to install a bacterial filter and maintain a 6 monthly element change out procedure than replace an entire vacuum pump.