The threat posed by gram-negative bacteria and their resistance is rapidly growing. Serious studies estimate that resistant bacteria could cause as many deaths as cancer by the year 2050, or even more – as many as 10 million per year.1, 2
Essential protection for immunocompromised patients
Against this backdrop, Point-of-Use water filters are playing an increasingly important role in the filtration of tap water. As part of a multi-barrier system they can effectively prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. This is essential in hospitals, where facultative pathogenic germs such as Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter endanger the lives of immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients (e.g., transplant patients, newborns). A common source of danger is the sink trap, where these germs develop their resistance.
Requirements for Point-of-Use water filters are often unknown
However, there is still uncertainty with regard to the correct use of water filters in clinical settings. Specific guidelines that go beyond the limits set by drinking water regulations for protecting the population are still lacking. In contrast to the requirements for hand and surface disinfectants, the quality requirements for Point-of-Use water filters are not known in many hospitals. This makes it all the more important to provide guidance in this area.
Six key quality features for Point-of-Use water filters
When using Point-of-Use water filters in the medical sector, we believe that six key quality features must be taken into account:
- The duration of use is defined – with clinical evidence.
- The housing has biocidal properties to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
- The water jet is directed in such a way that direct contact with the sink drain is avoided. This prevents aerosols from forming and potentially contaminated particles from rising out of the siphon.
- A compact design provides for barrier-free use at the faucet, especially in intensive care units
- A laminar (soft) water jet prevents water from splashing back from contaminated surfaces.
- There is a quality management system in place to ensure the quality of manufacturing and the traceability of products.
Avoiding undesirable boomerang effects
Compliance with these quality features is important in order to avoid undesirable boomerang effects. For example, if Point-of-Use water filters are used for too long, then resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa can form a biofilm on them, which promotes their spread. This effect has been confirmed by a British study from the year 2023, and the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention at the Robert Koch Institute (KRINKO) also points out this risk in its recommendations for immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients.
Conclusion: Clear rules save lives
Such negative effects can be reliably avoided by adhering to the aforementioned quality criteria. Clear rules are required in order to ensure that Point-of-Use water filters become an effective part of the urgently needed multi-barrier system. This is the only way we can combat the spread of resistant bacteria and effectively protect the lives of hospital patients.