Bringing HPV technology to life

Published: 28-Oct-2011

Bioquell animated video aims to increase understanding of the technology




Superbug-stopping technology using hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) can now be viewed using the latest animated video from bio-decontamination specialist, Bioquell.

With drug resistant healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) becoming more prevalent, interest in this advanced disinfection technology is increasing. Bioquell’s short film aims to increase understanding of this new technology in the healthcare environment.

As HPV is a colourless gas and its target pathogens are microscopic, it is often difficult to understand what is going on in a room during the bio-decontamination process. However, in a couple of minutes, viewers can observe the outline of the HPV process, from initial room preparation, through to gassing/vaporisation and on to the dwell or ‘crucial kill’ phase.

Here the three key methods of HPV action are visualised: breaking down of the cell walls, attack on the cell contents and damage to the cellular genetic component. With these three key methods of kill, microbes including bacteria (and bacterial spores), moulds and viruses find it hard to survive in a carefully controlled hydrogen peroxide vapour environment.

Bioquell says this makes it ideal for sterilising all surfaces within a room or larger unit, providing complete 3D kill to 6-log microbial reduction standards, which are the same standards used when autoclaving/steam sterilising.

Following the treatment, the animation illustrates the active removal of the HPV. Using high-powered aeration and catalytic conversion to oxygen and water vapour, the room can soon be reopened to allow it to become back into service once again.

Commenting on this latest video, James Salkeld head of healthcare at Bioquell, said: “Our advanced hydrogen peroxide vapour technology is often difficult to picture.

“This film shows how easy it is to employ our technology within a hospital environment and provides an insight into just how our technology works when targeting key HCAI pathogens like Clostridium difficile and norovirus.”

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