Microbial detection sensor remotely monitors airborne pathogens

Published: 16-Jun-2016

The PathogenAlert Rapid Reader works by drawing an air sample into a nutrient-rich detection site engineered to determine the presence of specific microbial contamination

The PathogenAlert Rapid Reader system, manufactured by Dublin, Ireland-based NuWave Sensors for healthcare facilities, manufacturing, food processing and preparation, and cleanroom environments, is an on-site microbial detection sensor that remotely monitors airborne pathogens (bacteria, yeasts and moulds).

It works by drawing an air sample into a nutrient-rich detection site engineered to determine the presence of specific microbial contamination. Sensors connected to the Cloud-based monitoring system send text and email alerts whenever, and wherever, contamination is detected.

Stephen Daniels, inventor and Co-founder of NuWave Sensors, said reducing infection risks and costs are a key benefit of the product.

'Implementing the Rapid Reader should have a significant impact on the effective management of airborne pathogens, resulting in lower overall costs for detection, infection risks, and remedial actions,' he said.

Implementing the Rapid Reader should have a significant impact on the effective management of airborne pathogens

Continuous, on-site monitoring significantly shortens contamination detection times from days to hours, and automates the pathogen sampling, monitoring and detection process. Cloud-based software provides daily reports, detailing current and historical risk levels using a similar format to traditional reporting techniques.

The Rapid Reader is said to eliminate the high expense and risk caused by current sampling methods that require long delays and external laboratory analysis.

'The Rapid Reader system automatically detects infectious airborne contaminants before visual growth occurs. This provides valuable time to engage in corrective action before an outbreak takes place,' said Susan Skelton, owner of Disinfection Services, the exclusive North American distributor for NuWave Sensors.

'The PathogenALERT Rapid Reader system is a great stand-alone detection tool,' added Skelton, 'Our clients are able to simply detect pathogens on-site and on-time, and can also bundle one or more Rapid Readers with advanced UVC disinfection technology to detect, alert, and destroy airborne pathogens before an outbreak occurs. The ultimate goal is to help reduce pathogen transmission and infection to improve patient outcomes.'

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