Waikato Dstrict Health Board (WDHB) gets first Liquitech copper/ silver ionisation system in Australasia

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WDHB Infection Control Team is very excited daout having the system installed in one building at Waikato Hospital. Although primarily purchased to control hot water temperature considerations was also given to the control ol Legionella as Waikato Hospital has a history of Legionella growth. The Liqultech system has had over 12 years of proven success in controlling Legionella pneumophila, M.avium, Salmonella, Listeria etc.

So how does it work? Liquitech's electronic disinfection system releases copper and silver ions into the water by allowlng it to pass through a flow cell containlng sacrificial copper/silver electrodes. A direct current is applied across these electrodes to stimulate the controlled release of ions. These ion emissions are a potent biocide. The positively charged copper and silver ions on microorganism cell walls, creating stresses and distortions that, combined with protein denaturation, lead to cell lysis and death. In this system, bacteria are killed, rather than merely suppressed. The accurate close-rate control system maintains precise ion levels, providing residual protection and prevention of recontaminatlon.

Since installation in August 2004, there has been two "rounds" of sampling sent to ESR for testing with no Legionella detected. lf you would like more information on the Liquitech system please contact the WDHB Infection Control team or you can visit www.liquitech.net or contact Mark Dawson at mark@lps.net.nz

Controlla - NOvember 2004