Development of a UVC Sterilisation Unit for N95 Mask
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2024
Develop a personal UVC sterilization unit to enable ground staff to sterilize N95 masks between breaks and shifts, enhancing. The project was aborted due to unmet sterilization effectiveness and resource inefficiencies.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Product Development, Proof Of Concept
About this Content
Aims
Develop a personal UVC sterilization unit to enable ground staff to sterilize N95 masks between breaks and shifts, enhancing safety and supply management.
Background
During COVID-19, healthcare workers needed prolonged use of N95 masks. UV sterilization was identified as a promising method for mask decontamination without compromising filtration efficiency.
Methods
Collaborated with TTSH, A*STAR’s Institute of Bioengineering & Bioimaging, and iNOVA. Conducted bio-efficacy testing on bacteria strains using a UVC prototype, refining the design based on results.
Results
The prototype achieved significant reduction in B. Subtilis but was ineffective for Pyrogenes. Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) tests showed no degradation in mask filtration after 15 UVC cycles.
Conclusion
The project was aborted due to unmet sterilization effectiveness and resource inefficiencies. Future projects may explore alternative decontamination methods.
Lessons Learnt
Sterilization must meet a 6-log reduction for effectiveness. The inability to sterilize Pyrogenes bacteria led to project termination.
Keywords
COVID-19, Personal Sterilization Unit, N95 Mask, UVC Sterilization, Bacterial Decontamination
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital, iNova Pharmaceuticals |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology |
Project Lead(s) | Not Indicated |
Project Member(s) | Not Indicated |
Connect with this contributor!
Benjamin Seto - benjamin_seto@nhg.com.sg
Project Attachment
633_TTSH_Kaizen_Development_of_a_UVC_Sterilisation_Unit_for_N95_Mask.pdf