Cleansuite can help prevent healthcare-associated infections

Huntair, a subsidiary of the CES Group of air conditioning companies, says its modular Cleansuite ceiling mounted system can help prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by airborne contaminants in healthcare applications.

The Tualatin, Oregon, US-based specialist in airflow management systems says Cleansuite systems can be designed to Class 1 manufacturing cleanroom standards to meet specific airflow requirements, while also providing the added benefit of contamination control.

According to a study commissioned by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 1.7m HAIs were reported in 2002, resulting in more than 99,000 deaths. HAIs also create an estimated $28–$33bn in excess healthcare costs each year.

“The Cleansuite system gives healthcare facilities one part of the solution – it can help prevent HAIs caused by airborne contaminants,” said Kevin Schreiber, global director of healthcare products for Huntair.

Features include an aseptically detailed design, HEPA filtration and antimicrobial materials to provide the added benefit of contamination control. Additionally, a Cleanscreen laminar flow diffuser at each airflow opening provides unidirectional airflow with minimal turbulence, reducing the risk of contaminant particles entering the sterile field.

Each Cleansuite system is custom-designed to meet airflow, structural and component specifications. The modular air-delivery plenums can include integral boom mounts, lights, medical gas connections, air balancing, HEPA filters, sprinklers and other components. Individual modules can be installed in as little as half a day, the firm says, and a complete system in 1-3 days.

“Installation of a typical Cleansuite system takes one-sixth of the time of a comparable field-built system,” added Schreiber.

“The modules arrive at a job site ready to be lifted into place and attached to the building structure. Very little time is spent coordinating trades between structural, mechanical and utility requirements, which accelerates the construction timeline, decreases costs and clears a faster path to a revenue-generating facility.”