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Published on: June 7, 2017
Comparative evaluation of filters for sustained bacterial control in endoscope reprocessing final rinse water
Pan Chen1, ChenYing Zhou2, Mei Li2
1Nursing Department, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Background:
Filter performance is critical for maintaining endoscope final rinse water quality, however comparative data on different filter types remain limited.
Methods:
Brominated polystyrene hydantoin (BPSH), polyethersulfone (PES), polypropylene (PP) filters were challenged with water containing ~10⁶ CFU/mL E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. Performance was assessed under dynamic (3.6 L/min flow, 6 h/day) and static (8-day stagnation) conditions.
Results:
Under dynamic conditions, the BPSH filter consistently maintained effluent bacterial concentrations ≤10 CFU/100 mL for all three organisms throughout the 64-day study. In contrast, the PES and PP filters showed progressive deterioration in performance. Under static conditions, BPSH maintained <1 CFU/100 mL for all organisms over 7 days, whereas PES and PP exceeded the limit from day 2 for P. aeruginosa and E. coli, and from day 6 for S. aureus.
Discussion:
The sustained efficacy of BPSH under both dynamic and static conditions is attributed to the continuous release of active bromine. This release kills retained bacteria and offers a significant advantage over conventional physical filters.
Conclusion:
BPSH provides consistent, high bacterial removal under both conditions, ideal for clinical settings with intermittent downtime.
