One of the key terms used in eliminating potentially harmful microbes in healthcare, scientific research and sensitive production facilities is the idea of graded reductions in the levels of micro-organisms.
Tecomak Environmental Services are distributors for the Devea Phileas® range of hydrogen peroxide decontamination devices. Here we explain the differences between four, five and six-log reductions in harmful microbes – and why our Phileas units are suitable for all eventualities and locations.
Logs Explained
Log reduction is a measure often presented as a percentage, with each “log” or logarithm indicating a reduction of another 90% in the number of micro-organisms. So, a 1-log reduction means a 90% decrease, a 2-log reduction equates to a 99% reduction, and the pattern continues.
The key point is that the higher the log reduction, the more successful the disinfection process is at eliminating harmful pathogens. In essence, it’s a scale where higher numbers signify more robust germ-fighting capabilities.
Four-log Reductions
This equates to the reduction of 99.99% of harmful bacteria and pathogens in any given location. It is used by water companies to ensure their supply is safe to drink; it can also be used in relatively low-risk healthcare and commercial locations to eliminate certain viruses.
Five-Log Reductions
If this standard is achieved, then 99.999% of all harmful microbes have been eliminated from your facility; it’s sometimes known as the ‘Gold Standard’ of cleanliness and hygiene. A five-log reduction means the area is disinfected and that any pathogenic organisms have either been killed or rendered harmless.
This is particularly important for those manufacturing healthcare-related products, such as the pharmaceutical industry, and those making disinfectant products for the medical market. Here, manufacturers need to ensure that their products achieve at least a five-log reduction to comply with various European and British safety standards.
Six-Log Reductions
This means the area or facility has eradicated 99.9999% of harmful microbes (which are also known as CFUs or colony-forming units). It means that the laboratory or healthcare environment can effectively be considered sterile; this is particularly important in the latter case because many sick hospital patients may be more vulnerable to infection. Parts of operating theatres and ICUs often need to be kept sterile for this reason.
Six-log reductions may be necessary to eliminate the most stubborn (and potentially deadly) viruses, such as the so-called ‘superbugs’ such as MRSA and Chlostridium Difficile.
The food industry, as well as its pharmaceutical counterpart, also requires a six-log reduction of bacteria; this applies both to product preparation (to ensure it is fit for human consumption) and how it is actually cooked.
The Devea Phileas® Range of Decontamination Devices
At Tecomak, we supply the Devea Phileas® range of airborne decontamination devices. These work by diffusing a fine spray or mist around the appropriate area, after which the only residues are harmless oxygen molecules and water. They also have fast operating cycles, so your lab or production facility won’t be out of action for long.
Depending on your requirements, the units can be programmed to produce either a four-, five- or six-log reduction in harmful micro-organisms. At Tecomak we offer and guarantee six-log reductions for viruses, bacteria and fungal spores. The pharmaceutical market always requires a six-log reduction.
Some laboratories may be happy with four- or five- log reductions but to avoid doubt we will default to six-log, which is perfectly achievable with the Phileas technology.
Specifically, we can supply the Phileas® 15, pictured above, the Phileas® Genius, the Phileas® 25, the Phileas® 75, the Phileas® One, the Phileas® 250 and the Phileas® 285. Depending on which you opt for, they can decontaminate areas as small as 0.5m3 (such as individual cabinets) and as large as 1,665m3 (and so can tackle several rooms at once). For more information about any of these units, including technical data sheets, just click on the relevant link.
We can either come in and decontaminate your area for you, or we can train your staff how to use any of these devices. They are all simple to operate and they can all be pre-programmed to be used remotely, meaning there will be no risk to any of your employees.
Devea Phileas® Products from Tecomak Environmental Services
If you would like to know more about any of our products – not just the Devea Phileas® units, but our range of fume cupboards, flow cabinets and microbiological safety cabinets – then you can call us on 01732 852250. You can also click on this link and complete the online form.
