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The Best AER Filter?
That's a trickier question and topic than you might think. Some might think it comes down to two simple things; Quality and Price. But what about efficiency, Bioburden reduction, retention capacity, compatibility and compliance to name just a few things that might be considered when your trying to determine which is the best AER filter for endoscope reprocessing.
In this article we're going to go over some of these topics and briefly look at some additional topics you might want to consider that have to do with the AER filter manufacturers as well.The best AER Filters (Automated Endoscope Reprocessor Filters) possess specific characteristics ensuring the effective and safe cleaning and disinfection of endoscopes. Below is a list of some of those features to consider when you're shopping for the Best AER filter for you medical practice.
1)Filtration Efficiency
An AER Filter must have a high filtration efficiency to effectively remove debris, organic matter and microorganisms from the reprocessing solution. The filter must be able to capture extremely small particles including bacteria and viruses. Any lapse in these efficiencies could cause catastrophic consequences for the next patient.
There are measurements and compliance guidelines that can assist with comparing and evaluating AER Filter performance.
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE): BFE measures an AER filter's ability to capture and retain bacterial particles. It takes into consideration specific particles sizes and is typically presented as a percentage and compiled using standardized test methods. Some of those test methods are ASTM, F2101 and EN 14683. A higher BFE percentage indicates a better bacterial filtration capability.
- Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE): VFE measures an AER Filter's ability in capturing and retaining particles. This measurement, like BFE, is presented as a percentage and is compiled using specific testing methods. Some of these testing methods used are ASTM F2101 and EN 14683. The higher the VFE percentage the better viral filtration is achieved.
- Particle Size Efficiency: Tests like the ISO 23328 or ASTM F2299 define particle size ranges and methodologies for assessing filtration abilities. This allows you to compare how an AER filter compares to another at capturing various sizes of particles For instance large debris and smaller microorganisms.
- Compliance Guidelines: Regulatory entities like the FDA or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) may provide guidelines or requirements for AER filters to ensure safety and effectiveness of the AER filters you're choosing to use.
And while all of this may sound "over the top" to compare, especially if you're not a scientist, it's actually not that hard. The manufacturers themselves typically provide information on their web sites such as filtration efficiency of their filters, BFE, VFE and particle size efficiency.
2) Bioburden Reduction
AER Filters must be able to reduce the bioburden (microbial load). It must be able to remove or completely neutralize microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses from the reprocessing fluid. By doing so this minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between endoscopes at your medical facility.
3) Retention Capacity:
Because AER filters are collecting substances, they must have ample ability to retain and debris and microorganisms that it collects during the reprocessing cycle. Not only does it need to be able to retain them but it's filtration efficiency must not decrease during the cycle as well. Clogging is obviously not an option as is the AER Filter becoming overwhelmed compromising the reprocessing cycle. Consistent results is mandatory over multiple cycles.
4) Compatibility:
There are many different OEM compatible AER filters fitting most of the major AER manufacturers like: Medivators, ASP, J&J, Olympus, Custom Ultrasonics and Steris.
With this being the case it's extremely important that the replacement AER filters your considering be specifically designed for the automated endoscope reprocessor device it is being installed on. It should integrate seamlessly with the AER device you have. It should provide the proper flow and filtration continuously with no compromises with regards to reprossessing cycles as well.
5) Validation and Compliance:
While this is pretty much commons sense, the best AER filters will comply with all the relevant regulatory standards and guidelines. Those include the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or equivalent entities for your specific location.
6) Ease of Use and Maintenance:
Another common sense item on this list is that the best AER filters will be user-friendly, easy to install and maintain for the AER system you have. There should be clear and concise instructions for the proper handling of the filter and the outgoing filter's disposal. As well as instructions on methods of minimizing risks of errors or contamination of the replacement AER filter.
7) Cost-effectiveness:
This is where OEM compatible AER filters typically have an advantage and part of the reason for this article about AER filters. Replacement AER filters must be a good value for the money. Taking the filter's filtration capacity into account, it's durability and life expectancy are all considerations of cost-effectiveness.
Aftermarket AER Filters
Aftermarket OEM compatible AER filters are here to stay. The manufacturing processes of these replacement filters has improved substantially over the years employing new technology that often put's them at par or above the manufacturer's own guidelines. But choose your supplier wisely.
It's often a good idea to research your vendor and manufacturer making sure they are both reputable in the industry. They should be well-established and have a track record of producing reliable, high quality products. They also must be trusted in the healthcare industry.
It's also a good idea to read customer reviews and talk to your piers about who they use. These insights from actual users of the AER filters can give you valuable information about the performance and reliability of the filters and the vendor you choose.
It's also a good idea to read customer reviews and talk to your piers about who they use. These insights from actual users of the AER filters can give you valuable information about the performance and reliability of the filters and the vendor you choose.
We've talked a lot about compliance in the article as well. But it's imperative that we do and that you take this to heart. Verify that the AER filter(s) you are considering are in full compliance with regulatory standards such as the FDA or other equivalent certifications.
With the above thorough research considered and completed, your decision on what the "best AER Filter" is for your specific automated endoscope reproccessor is should be a great decision that will benefit your medical practice and your patients greatly.
