Airborne Surface Disinfection (ASD) relies on the diffusion of a decontamination agent within a closed volume, often based on vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH₂O₂), in order to treat the surfaces present in the area.
In certain controlled environments, biological indicators can be used to evaluate the microbiological performance of a biodecontamination cycle.
Why use biological indicators in ASD
Biological indicators make it possible to evaluate the microbiological effectiveness of a decontamination process. They contain a known population of resistant microorganisms used as a reference to analyse the performance of a cycle. After an ASD cycle, these indicators can be analysed to determine whether the microorganisms have been inactivated.
The results provide an indication of the process’s ability to reduce microbiological contamination within the treated volume. However, each indicator represents a specific point in the room, which makes its placement important for correctly interpreting the cycle.
The role of indicator placement in cycle evaluation
The placement of biological indicators is an important element in the analysis of an ASD cycle. Their position should represent the different conditions present within the treated volume.
Identifying representative zones of the treated volume
Biological indicators can be placed in several areas of the room to observe the diffusion of the decontamination agent throughout the entire volume. Some positions correspond to areas directly exposed to the diffused product. These positions help observe the overall behaviour of the cycle.
Other positions may represent areas that are less accessible to the product, for example behind equipment or within more enclosed spaces. This distribution helps provide a more complete view of the process behaviour within the room.
Taking the room configuration into account
The configuration of the room can influence the diffusion of the decontamination agent during an ASD cycle. The presence of equipment, structures or furniture may alter air circulation within the volume. Some elements may create areas where exposure to the product differs.
The placement of biological indicators should take these parameters into account in order to properly represent the conditions present within the room.
Verification points before placing biological indicators
Before positioning biological indicators, several elements of the room should be analyzed. This step helps identify consistent locations to evaluate the performance of the airborne surface disinfection cycle.
Influence of equipment and obstacles
Equipment present in the room can modify the diffusion of the decontamination agent. Certain elements may create shadow areas or spaces where air circulation differs. In these areas, exposure to the product may vary compared to the rest of the volume. The placement of biological indicators can include these areas to represent the real conditions of the room.
Influence of air circulation
Air circulation within the room can influence the distribution of the decontamination agent during an airborne surface disinfection cycle. Air movements may direct the product toward certain areas or modify its concentration within the treated volume. These parameters should be considered when positioning biological indicators.
Preparing the microbiological evaluation of an ASD cycle
The placement of biological indicators is part of a broader approach to evaluating the biodecontamination process. A consistent methodology makes it possible to define representative positions within the room. These positions can then be maintained from one cycle to another in order to compare results.
This approach facilitates the analysis of process performance over time. It also helps better understand the influence of certain room parameters on the ASD cycle.
Why rely on Solidfog expertise
Implementing ASD requires a good understanding of the treated volume and the parameters of the process.
Expertise dedicated to biodecontamination
Solidfog develops solutions specialized in airborne decontamination using hydrogen peroxide. The company focuses its expertise on diffusion technologies and their use in controlled environments. This technical approach is based on analyzing room conditions, cycle parameters and the specific requirements of sensitive environments.
Solutions adapted to regulated environments
Solidfog systems are used in environments where contamination control is essential, such as cleanrooms, laboratories or certain pharmaceutical facilities. In these environments, biodecontamination processes must be integrated into strict protocols and precise control conditions.
Properly evaluating the effectiveness of an ASD cycle
The placement of biological indicators is an important element in the evaluation of an ASD cycle. Their position within the treated volume influences the interpretation of the results.
Analyzing the room and applying a consistent placement methodology makes it possible to better understand the behavior of the process within the treated area.