Morning

I'm compiling a list of distributors for water system filter for the BMET wiki. Do you get your filters from the RO manufacturer, local water guy, or some online filter store? I spent a couple hours look for this info and didn't find a whole lot. This is where the wiki could be helpful and prevent people from having to search for the same info. If you can think of any other list that would be helpful let me know.

Thanks

I just found out that RPC-rabrenco carries some depth filters. RPC Rabenco

Dialysis centers should not buy filters from just anyone. They need to be 510K cleared. Usually the RO manufacturer is the best source since it should have been part of their system originally submitted to the FDA.

I bet Florian Guy could elaborate on the different filter ratings for us. (hint, hint)

I'm talking about whether or not all filters of a certain micron size filter the same.

A little refresher course would be great.

To <Guest> statement:
If you can find the same filter that the RO manufacturer resales with a 50 % increase would you not buy it? I myself would buy it as long as it wasn't out of the back of some guys truck. Most of the time you can call the filter manufacturer and get a list of distributors.

Before you buy after-market filters make sure that they have the same rating and performance characteristics and are not just "Look-alike" filters.

These Filters are for water treatment that is for PATIENT USE!! Cost should not be the issue but rather QUALITY!!

Patient safety is always first, but saving money is also very important. I would not buy the .05 micron filter from anyone, but here the situation we were in. Our RO was installed by a local distributor of a RO manufacturer. When we order the .05 micron filters it would come from the distributor who got it from the RO manufacturer who got them from Mar Cor. Each step added about $100. Why not go right to Mar Cor? Now the 5 micron filters basically filter out sediment and carbon resin and our RO manufacturer doubles the price. They leave the manufacturer sticker on them, so now if I can find a reliable distributor for that same filter why not order them? Any dept. secretary can order from the RO manufacturer, but safely saving money is part of your job!

Here is a link to an older story of what can happen with filters. The filters used here were made for use in Industry and were not labeled for medical use. Just need to make sure you know what you are using.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1370/is_n8_v23/ai_8057593

I have been using XL filtration 800-953-4583 and gem water systems 800-755-1707 for years without any problems. They sell all the filters that we use from 5 micron to ultrfilter. And in all these years I have never seen a filter packed in sodium azymide.

Per your request Biomed Boy!

At the last AAMI committee meeting, some of this was discussed. The 510k water vendors want the clinics to purchase the filters from them. Buying the filter from someone else can invalidate the 510k. For example, if you change the RO membranes in your RO and install a different model number membrane or different manufactuer's membrane, this could invalidate the 510k since the FDA reviewed the system with the original RO membrane installed. Also, tests conducted by the 510k vendor only validated the original membrane. On the other hand, if you can purchase the exact model number membrane from someone else at a reduced cost, why shouldn't you be allowed to do so?

Many clinics are not purchasing filters from their 510k vendor. If done so, it is up to the clinic to validate the "replacement part" to ensure it meets the original 510k requirements. As long as your water quality meets AAMI standards, then this should validate the use of a different membrane; eventhough it may have invalidated the 510k. Each clinic should document any change and have the medical director approve it.

For a simple 5 micron RO Prefilter, not all 5 micron filters are equal. If the less expensive one is not causing any problems, I would say use it. In other places, the same switch to a less expensive filter will cause problems. Using the more expensive one would be worth the expense. Filters that meet NSF Standard 42 are tested to ensure they remove at least 85% of the particles larger than the micron rating of the filter. Other filters with the same micron rating may only remove 35% of these particles. A 5 micron filter that meets NSF 42 will cost more than a 5 micron filter that does not meet NSF 42 (or has never been tested against NSF 42).

Florian,
we can always count on you for an 'indepth' answer. i wouldn't want it, any other way. always educational, thanks, i appreciate it.

Thanks. I was waiting patiently. Your comments sort of support mine in the "510k Hoopla" thread, so I feel better about that, too.

Thanks for you input!

I see that someone else is using the name lady tech,don't want any confusion here so I will change. THANKS FLORIAN GREAT AWNSER AS ALWAYS. I also agree