Analysis of Range and Use of a Hybrid Hydrogen Peroxide System for Biosafety Level 3 and Animal Biosafety Level 3 Agriculture Laboratory Decontamination

Abstract

Introduction: The applications of fumigation and the challenges that high-containment facilities face in achieving effective large volume decontamination are well understood. The Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University sought to evaluate a novel system within their biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) and animal biosafety level 3 agriculture (ABSL-3Ag) facility. Methods: The system chosen for this study is the CURIS ® Hybrid Hydrogen Peroxide TM (HHP TM ) system, comprising a mobile 36-pound (16 kg) device delivering a proprietary 7% hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) solution. To examine the system's efficacy in multiple laboratory settings, two BSL-3 laboratories (2,281 [65 m 3 ] and 4,668 ft 3 [132 m 3 ]) with dropped ceiling interstitial spaces and an ABSL-3Ag necropsy suite (44,212 ft 3 [1,252 m 3 ]) with 21-foot (6.4 m) ceilings were selected. Biological indicators (BIs) of Geobacillus stearothermophilus (1.7 × 10 6 organisms) on steel spore carriers and H 2 O 2 chemical indicators (CIs) were used to provide validation. Results: After cycle optimization, the smaller laboratory had a total of 60 BIs over two treatments that demonstrated a greater than 6-log reduction of bacterial spores. The larger laboratory (192 BIs) and the necropsy suite (206 BIs) had no BIs positive for spore growth when incubated at 60°C for 24 h per manufacturer's specifications. Conclusion: Overall successful results through multiple components of this study demonstrate that the HHP device, paired with the pulsed 7% H 2 O 2 solution, achieved efficacy regardless of variables in laboratory size and layout. Perceived challenges such as 21-ft (6.4 m) ceiling heights, active equipment, and difficult to access ceiling interstitial spaces proved unfounded. Given the successful sterilization of all challenged BIs, the HHP system presents a useful alternative for high level decontamination within BSL-3 and ABSL-3Ag facilities.

Enhanced disinfection with hybrid hydrogen peroxide fogging in a critical care setting

“…The reduction in ACC, and ATP RLU’s are strong indications that bioburden present after EVS practices have been inactivated or reduced by HHP fogging to levels associated with a risk reduction for HAIs from environmental surfaces [ 11 , 31 , 33 ]. In addition to being effective against difficult to kill pathogens [ 15 ], HHP fogging presents an inherent advantage in terms of whole room dispersal [ 17 ] and reaching areas where wiping alone or UV light may not adequately reach [ 30 ]. The results presented emphasize HHP fogging achieves more efficacious disinfection of room surfaces than manual cleaning and UV light application combined.…”

“…The HHP system has demonstrated efficacy against potential HAI pathogens such as S. aureus and C. difficile. [12][13][14][15] While commonly mistaken in the healthcare environment to be equivalent in efficacy to technologies such as ultraviolet (UV) light, literature demonstrates HHP fogging and similar hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) technologies have significantly higher disinfection potential [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] combatting pathogens, such as C. difficile, norovirus, S. aureus, and others, including in the presence of biofilms and soil loads [13,15,20]. However, the impact and efficacy of HHP fogging on environmental contamination in patient rooms in a healthcare setting has not yet been measured.…”

Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination of N95 Respirators, with Fit-Testing and Viral Inactivation, Demonstrates Feasibility for Reuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…These methods have not received strong comparative support in U.S. markets due to lower decontamination effectiveness ( 30 – 38 ). Therefore, we utilized a recently developed aHP method (i.e., the CURIS system) which dispenses a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution through a precision adjustable nozzle ( 39 ). The unit design and decontamination process characteristics allow consistent distribution of disinfectant over time and enable effective decontamination of space and materials.…”

Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination of N95 Respirators, with Fit-Testing and Viral Inactivation, Demonstrates Feasibility for Re-Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Therefore, we utilized a recently-developed aHP method (i.e. the CURIS ® system), which dispenses a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution through a precision adjustable nozzle (39). The unit design and decontamination process characteristics allow consistent distribution of disinfectant over time and enable effective decontamination of space and materials.…”