Challis MS says it has designed the Challis Ag+ Sentinel Valve due to ‘a general acceptance’ that most Pseudomonas flare-ups involving taps 'are a direct result of back contamination of the open tap spout by contaminated aerated water droplets'.
It said: “This contamination is often compounded by limescale and biofilm build-up on the tap diffuser components. To prevent this combination of airborne contaminates, open-ended spouts, limescale, and biofilm build-up, we need to consider how we negate them using innovative design, to ensure ongoing patient safety.
The patented Challis Ag+ Sentinel Valve – pictured in use on the test rig at the Challis MS HQ in Cookham – is made of medical grade silicone, and has been designed to fit and replace the diffuser internals currently fitted to all taps. The valve opens when the water flows, and closes instantly when flow ceases, ‘effectively and efficiently sealing off the tap spout when not in use, and preventing any risk of back contamination by airborne water vapour’. Also available on request, ‘for added protection’ within the Sentinel Valve, is “an innovative 99.99% copper ‘bullet’”, which kills bacteria on contact.
