FAQs

All FAQs

What does a 6-log microbial reduction mean?

Log reduction (“log” is short for logarithm) is a numerical expression of the effectiveness of a decontamination procedure. A 1-log reduction is equivalent to a 10-fold or 90% microbial reduction; a 6-log reduction is a 99.9999% reduction.

How many spores are on a Bioquell Biological Indicator?

Each carrier disc found in a Bioquell Biological Indicator has over one million Geobacillus stearothermophilus.

What does the Tyvek® pouch do for the Biological Indicator? Is it needed?

Biological Indicators are pouched for many reasons, including ease of handling, ensuring microbes cannot be put onto the disc prior to use and aseptic handling after use. The crucial feature of the packaging is that it allows vapour to pass through, retaining the BI’s integrity.

What is a D-value?

A D-value is a measure of resistance. Bioquell’s D-value method shows the time it takes for 90% of the spores on the BI to be killed (also called a 1-log reduction). We aim for a D-value of one to two minutes.

Will I receive a certificate of analysis with Bioquell BIs?

The certificates for Bioquell BIs, including all independent verification, are all available on the Bioquell website. You can find them here.

What pack sizes are available for Bioquell Biological Indicators?

Our indicators come in boxes of 20 (one wallet of BIs) or 100 (five wallets of BIs); each re-sealable wallet contains 20 BIs.

Who makes the Biological Indicators?

We make all of our Biological Indicators in-house.

What pack sizes are available for Bioquell Chemical Indicators?

Our indicators come in boxes of 20 (one wallet of CIs) or 100 (five wallets of CIs); each re-sealable wallet contains 20 CIs.

How do the Bioquell Chemical Indicators work?

Each indicator has been formatted with a dye that will change colour in designated areas on the card when exposed to Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour. The colour changes provide a real-time indication of the success of your cycle.

Who makes the Chemical Indicators?

We make all of our Chemical Indicators in-house.

What concentration of hydrogen peroxide do you use?

Our systems and services operate using 35% hydrogen peroxide.

Why does Bioquell have RFiD-tagged peroxide?

Tagging the peroxide has several benefits: easy recording of volume used and volume remaining, traceability for GMP documentation purposes, quality assurance and legality of peroxide for cycle reproducibility and equipment longevity.

Where do I get the peroxide from?

High-quality and fully traceable peroxide is provided by Bioquell in safe-to-use bottles.

What gloves do you recommend for handling hydrogen peroxide?

Nitrile, PVC and neoprene single-use gloves should be used.

What is Bioquell RBDS?

Bioquell’s Rapid Bio-Decontamination Service is a fully inclusive and managed decontamination solution that uses Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour to eradicate microorganisms from the environment. It can be used for a multitude of reasons. Learn more here.

Will I have to close the whole building during this process?

Typically all adjacent areas can remain occupied with no disruption to your other working areas. We will also monitor the exterior of the area during decontamination as part of our safety procedures.

Is my space too large or difficult to decontaminate?

Whether you have operational and logistical concerns or the scope of the project is expansive, we will most likely be able to meet your decontamination needs thanks to the adaptability and scalability of Bioquell RBDS.

Can I leave my equipment in the area?

Yes – and we encourage you to do so. Equipment that has been removed will then have to be put back, adding extra work and risk of introducing a contaminant.

How long will it take for Bioquell to decontaminate my area for me?

Each situation is unique and we will work with you to provide an accurate assessment according to our knowledge from experience.

What type of documentation do I receive with this service?

RBDS is supported by documentation including full site surveys, safety information, risk assessment, method statement, detailed reporting confirming results and more. Visit the RBDS product page to see more.

Can you decontaminate equipment only with this service?

Absolutely. Please contact us to discuss further.

What will I need to do to make sure I can link this to my equipment?

We work with you to ensure everything you need is ready to decontaminate your equipment, from the necessary accessories to the connections required.

What is the maximum room size the Bioquell L-4 can decontaminate?

With the optional distribution head, the Bioquell L-4 could be used to decontaminate rooms up to 250 cubic meters. Contact us for more details.

When will I need a distribution head?

If you are looking to extend the capabilities of the system to decontaminate an open space, such as a room, then the distribution head would be required.

Can I connect this to my Building Management System?

Yes.

When will I need a Booster Fan?

If you are looking to decontaminate large filter bank enclosures with multiple filters systems, or single filter systems in a quicker time, then the Booster fan would be recommended.

The booster fan can also be used in small, fixed room decontamination systems to reduce cycle times

What will I need to do to make sure I can link this to my equipment?

The Bioquell IG-2 requires our engineers to work with you closely to fully integrate the system to your needs. Each situation varies, and we work closely with you from the start.

How do I control the system?

The Bioquell IG-2 offers a remote-control screen that can be placed at the most convenient location.

Will this offer 21-CFR Part 11 compliance?

Yes, we are able to offer an optional data logger for this purpose.

What size room can the Bioquell Z-2 decontaminate?

While variables such as the amount of surface area in the room can impact the capacity, the Bioquell Z-2 can handle rooms up to 250 cubic meters, with the potential for much larger spaces under Bioquell’s advise.

How do you start the unit?

There is a removable lectern with a built-in touch screen that you place outside the zone for safe and easy control.

Can I connect this to my Building Management System?

Yes.

What is the internal floor of the Bioquell Qube made from?

The floor of the Bioquell Qube is constructed from 316 stainless steel to ensure resistance to scratching on the working surface.

I have a small sterility-test need right now. What happens when my needs change?

The Bioquell Qube allows you to add and expand the system as your testing needs change and grow.

How can I bring tubing or cables into the Bioquell Qube?

We have an option for fitting a floor-mounted one-inch triclover port in each chamber. This allows you to bring in liquid lines or cables securely into the body of the Bioquell Qube.

What sets the Bioquell Qube apart from traditional stainless steel options?

The Bioquell Qube is constructed of tough and hard-wearing polypropylene, which is resistant to most materials the unit is ever likely to come into contact with. Because of its construction, the Bioquell Qube can be installed and validated within 12 weeks and, in most cases with minimal invasiveness to your operation or workflow.

Can you set alarms for the temperature inside the Bioquell Qube?

If I wish to change pressure from positive to negative, do I need to change the filters or take any additional action to ensure it is safe to use?

The Bioquell Qube can be switched between pressure regimes simply with the touch screen; no additional changes are needed.

Are there different leak tests programmed for the Bioquell Qube?

Yes, there are leak tests programmed for both positive and negative pressure.

Will installation and validation of the Bioquell SeQure disrupt my workflow?

No. Depending on the volume of the area and the level of equipment contained therein, installation and retrofitting of the Bioquell SeQure can be completed and validated within a week. Our technicians can work during non-operating hours if possible and permitted by the client. Specific timeframes will be given for each project.

Can the Bioquell SeQure connect to my Building Management System?

Yes. Our expert technicians will perform a walkthrough of your cleanroom to ensure your systems are compatible with the Bioquell SeQure for integrated HVAC and automated operation. What’s more, Bioquell experts provide continued support for systems that are already in place, ensuring full BMS connectivity and solutions for the lifetime of your system.

How compact is the Bioquell SeQure?

Vaporiser: 800 x 580 x 160 mm (31.5 x 22.8 x 6.3 in)

Bottle Module: 520 x 550 x 140 mm (20.5 x 21.7 x 5.5 in)

Wired Control Unit: 260 x 350 x 95 mm (10.2 x 13.8 x 3.7 in)

Is an aeration unit featured in the system?

Yes. The Bioquell Port II features a powerful inbuilt catalyst for the rapid break down of hydrogen peroxide vapour.

How do you ensure all of the load receives 6-log bio-decontamination?

It is important that all surfaces of the load are exposed and occluded surfaces are minimised, Bioquell provide a number of standard and customised racking to assist with this.

Is the hydrogen peroxide vapour generator included with the system?

You will need to use a separate Bioquell L-4 generator alongside the Port II. This generator can also be used to decontaminate isolators and other equipment in your facility.

Are aeration units within the system included?

Each Bioquell ProteQ unit features an integrated aeration unit for the removal of hydrogen peroxide vapour. Additional mobile aeration units are not included, allowing you to optimise the system to your individual requirements as extra aeration capabilities may not be needed.

How large a room can the Bioquell ProteQ decontaminate?

The Bioquell ProteQ can support a room up to 400m³. This is subject to configuration, loading, and environmental conditions. If needed, larger spaces can be decontaminated with additional Bioquell ProteQ systems.

Can the Bioquell ProteQ control my HVAC?

The system can communicate with your BMS via volt-free contacts to indicate cycle progress. The BMS can then control your HVAC accordingly.