Objective

To assess the effect of deploying an air decontamination device on environmental microbial load and to assess ease of use and acceptability of an air decontamination device in a general ward environment.

Methodology

Two identical departments in the Nephrology Clinic were chosen for the investigation.

In one half of one of the control departments, 2 devices were installed in each room and in the other half, 1 device was installed in each room.

In the other department, no Novaerus devices were installed and it served as the control.

Microbiology samples were taken prior to the installation of the Novaerus devices. Then, the devices were installed without being turned on for 14 days. Subsequently, the devices were turned on and after having been on for 21 days samples were taken.

Then, the devices were turned off once again for 21 days with a new subsequent sampling. The Novaerus devices were turned on again, and after 3 months additional samples were taken. To investigate the long-term effect of the Novaerus devices they remained turned on for a further 2 1/2 months with new subsequent sampling.

Summary of Results

There was a significant reduction in bacterial loads on high surfaces and window sills.

In the control section with no units, the number of overall infections increased by 35% from 2013 to 2014. In the section with Novaerus units, the number of overall infections fell 23% during the same time period.