Enhancing Air Quality in OR and ICU Departments with ASPRA Ceiling Air Purifiers

From ISO 7 to ISO 5: Eliminating CFUs in OR and ICU Departments

ASPRA Ceiling Provides High-Efficiency Air Purification Despite HEPA and High Air Changes

Even in highly controlled hospital environments such as Operating Rooms (ORs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs), maintaining optimal air quality can be challenging. Despite using HEPA 13 filters and high air change rates (ACH 16-20), hospitals reported persistent Particulate Matter (PM) and Colony Forming Units (CFU) contamination. This resulted in a higher risk of infections and Aspergillus outbreaks.

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To address this, Deventer Ziekenhuis and other Dutch hospitals implemented ASPRA Ceiling recirculation air purifiers in their Pre-OR and ICU departments. The results exceeded expectations, leading to a substantial reduction in CFUs and airborne particles and improving the ISO classification from ISO 7 to ISO 5.

About the Project

Hospitals strive for ultra-clean air in ORs and ICUs, yet traditional ventilation systems with HEPA filters do not always eliminate all airborne contaminants. Colony Forming Units (CFUs) and particulate matter persist in pre-operation rooms, optometry, orthopedics, and cardiac catheterization units, creating a risk for post-surgical infections and airborne pathogen outbreaks.

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To combat this, VFA Solutions, in collaboration with Modderkolk Projects & Maintenance BV, implemented ASPRA Ceiling recirculation air purifiers across multiple hospitals. Installed directly in pre-OR and ICU departments, ASPRA Ceiling operates independently of ventilation systems, continuously purifying recirculated air. The effect was immediate: rapid reduction of CFUs, elimination of outbreaks, and an upgrade from ISO 7 to ISO 5 classifications.

Client

Deventer Ziekenhuis & Other Dutch Hospitals

Sector

Healthcare & Clean Room

Location

The Netherlands

Product

ASPRA Ceiling

Summary

1. Problem

Persistent high CFU levels and airborne contaminants in OR and ICU departments despite HEPA 13 filtration and high air change rates (16-20 ACH).

2. Solution

ASPRA Ceiling recirculation air purifiers were installed in pre-OR and ICU departments as an extra layer of purification, working alongside existing ventilation systems.

3. Result

Substantial reduction in CFUs, fast elimination of Aspergillus outbreaks, and ISO classification improvement from ISO 7 to ISO 5.

Highlights

Reduced airborne CFUs, preventing contamination in critical hospital areas.

Upgraded OR air classification from ISO 7 to ISO 5.

Eliminated Aspergillus outbreaks in ICU departments.

Optimized air purification without altering existing ventilation systems.

“The implementation of ASPRA Ceiling air purifiers drastically improved air quality in our OR and ICU, leading to ISO 5 classification and eliminating contamination risks.”

Detailed Approach

Problem Description

Operating Rooms (ORs) and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) must maintain strict air quality standards to prevent post-surgical infections and pathogen outbreaks. Despite using HEPA 13 filtration and maintaining high air change rates (ACH 16-20), hospitals continued to experience high levels of CFUs and particulate matter.

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Traditional air handling and ventilation systems proved insufficient in pre-OR rooms where patients were being prepared for surgery, leading to contamination risks. The need for enhanced purification was evident to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance.

The Solution

ASPRA Ceiling air purifiers were installed in 16 Pre-OR rooms and ICUs across multiple hospitals. Unlike standard filtration, ASPRA Ceiling operates as a high-efficiency air recirculation system, continuously removing particulate matter, bioaerosols, and CFUs from the air.

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The ASPRA Ceiling solution complemented existing HEPA 13 filtration and positive pressure ventilation, ensuring real-time air purification. This system instantly reduced airborne contaminants and provided an added layer of protection without requiring structural modifications to hospital HVAC systems.

The Result

Within a short period, hospitals reported a drastic drop in CFUs and airborne pollutants. The ISO classification improved from ISO 7 to ISO 5, confirming a superior level of air purity.

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The successful elimination of Aspergillus outbreaks in ICU departments reinforced the effectiveness of ASPRA Ceiling in preventing airborne infections, creating a healthier environment for both patients and medical staff.

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