Heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) are intended to conserve a portion of the patient’s exhaled heat and moisture, and condition inspired gas by warming and humidifying it. Bacterial–viral air filters (BVFs) are medical devices used in respiratory ventilators or breathing circuits to protect patients, equipment, and/or the environment from viruses and bacteria.

Breathing filter with heat & moisture exchanger are used at the patient end connection of a breathing system. They play a vital role in patient health as they provide humidification of the inspired air and protect the patient from harmful microbes.

The efficiency of a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) or Breathing Circuit Filter (BVF) can be checked using several methods:

1. Weight gain/loss method: This method involves weighing the filter before and after use. The weight gain or loss is then calculated, which provides an indication of the amount of moisture or particles trapped by the filter.
2. Pressure drop method: This method involves measuring the pressure drop across the filter before and after use. A significant increase in pressure drop indicates that the filter is becoming clogged and may need to be replaced.
3. Particle filtration efficiency test: This method involves challenging the filter with a known concentration of particles of a specific size and measuring the percentage of particles that are captured by the filter. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the filter is at removing particles of that size.
4. Bacterial filtration efficiency test: This method involves challenging the filter with a known concentration of bacteria and measuring the percentage of bacteria that are captured by the filter. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the filter is at removing bacteria.
5. Repeat the tests: To ensure accuracy, repeat the airflow resistance and particle filtration tests several times and take an average of the results.

Additionally, it is important to replace the filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to ensure optimal performance.

For all your respiratory circuit and filter needs, Contact Lub Dub at

oxiboy@gmail.com & sales@lubdub.com
Ph: 92810 39352 & +91 44 4090 0900