Aerobiotix | FAQ About our Air Disinfection Systems
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Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that healthcare teams need clear, practical information when evaluating air decontamination technology.

The following Frequently Asked Questions addresses some common questions about our technology, how it works, where it can be used, and what to expect during implementation. Our goal is to help you feel informed as you consider solutions for cleaner clinical environments.

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1. Product Basics

How does Illuvia Sense work?
  • A pre-filter cartridge first captures larger particles to ensure optimum efficiency of the system.
  • A proprietary photolytic chamber slows the travel of particles, providing sufficient time for internal ultraviolet light to inactivate them.
  • The remaining particles, now inactivated, move through a medical-grade HEPA filter to trap them from returning to the air.
  • This technology provides a pathogen elimination rate of 99%.1
Is Illuvia Sense a UV robot?
  • Illuvia is not a UV robot; it is a nonturbulent ultraclean surgical air system.
  • UV robots perform one-time disinfection of unoccupied room surfaces. Once the room is occupied again, it becomes re-contaminated. Illuvia performs continuous air sanitization in occupied rooms.
What problem does Illuvia Sense solve in the OR?
The Illuvia Sense air disinfection device reduces airborne contamination, both biological and chemical, decreases the risk of surgical site infections, and improves the quality of air for both healthcare workers and patients alike.

How does it improve air quality beyond standard HVAC and HEPA?

The Illuvia Sense device utilizes three unique modalities to disinfect and render the air in the surgical environment safe for both the patient and the healthcare team. This unique usage of both HEPA and UV disinfection capabilities improves efficacy and reliability.

What are common misconceptions about air decontamination in the OR?
Often, clinicians assume that the HVAC system single-handedly protects them from airborne contamination. The reality, however, is that the HVAC system, while important, is only part of the equation. Point-of-care air disinfection in the operating room can substantially reduce the risk of SSIs and help prevent harm to healthcare workers.

2. Room Fit, Airflow, Noise

Does Illuvia Sense Affect Airflow or Positive Pressure?
  • Illuvia is specifically designed for use in the operating room. It is nonturbulent.
  • Illuvia has a one-to-one air ratio, meaning the same amount of air that goes in comes out. It does not affect airflow.
  • The device is placed so it does not block wall ducts.
  • The device moves at high volume but low velocity and is designed to not disrupt airflow near the patient.
How quickly can a room see measurable air-quality improvement after turn-on?
Typically, healthcare facilities see noticeable improvements within the first hour, and certainly within the first 24 hours of use. The key to success is continuous usage and following the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

Is Illuvia Sense standalone or integrated?
The Illuvia Sense device is specifically designed to incorporate with your existing building systems and run alongside them right in the OR. The device can immediately be deployed right at the point of care in the OR.

What is the footprint and noise level of Illuvia Sense in the OR?
Illuvia Sense is designed to fit within the existing operating room footprint, with a unit footprint of 18” x 18”. The device makes a consistent white noise-like sound with a decibel level of less than 65 dBA, which is comparable to the noise of an anesthesia ventilator. The noise produced from 450 CFM of unit air movement is quite small compared to 2000 CFM typically originating from overhead air ducts, and most staff do not even notice the device is operating during the surgical procedure.

3. Safety, Regulations, Standards

Are UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) products safe?

Unlike many UVGI products currently available, Illuvia uses shielded ultraviolet light (lamps contained within the units), so there is no exposure of ultraviolet light to people. Therefore, our products are safe to use in occupied spaces, and there is no ozone exposure.

UVGI lamps have been used for many decades in the healthcare industry.
UV-C treatment is a proven method for sanitizing air, water, and nonporous surfaces.

What do regulatory organizations say about using HEPA and UVGI to combat SARS-CoV-2?

The American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) says:

“Install filters that are able to remove aerosol and droplets, such as HEPA filters. Consideration should be given to the use of portable HEPA filter systems that can remove viral particles from the operating room air without converting to a negative pressure environment.”1

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends:

  • Use portable, free-standing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
  • Use UVGI.
  • Only use air cleaners for which evidence of effectiveness and safety is clear. For more information from ASHRAE on the benefits of HEPA and UVGI, refer to the Position Document on Infectious Aerosols (October 13, 2022).

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends:

What standards or guidelines does Illuvia Sense align with?
Illuvia Sense helps facilities align with AORN’s Guideline for Sterile Technique and exceeds the ventilation requirements outlined in ASHRAE 170. The system also supports Joint Commission Accreditation 360 and CMS TEAM readiness by providing room-level air quality monitoring and documentation that can strengthen environmental surveillance, infection prevention efforts, and compliance preparedness.

4. Clinical Outcomes

Has Illuvia Sense been independently tested?
Yes, Illuvia Sense has been tested by independent laboratories RTI, NIOHIM, and Battelle Institute. It has been tested with MS2, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and SARS-CoV-2.
Many peer-reviewed studies and whitepapers also show the product’s efficacy.

See our Data + Studies page for more information.

For test documents, please contact info@aerobiotix.com.

How does air quality affect SSI risk?

When healthcare facilities improve air quality by reducing overall airborne contamination, the clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that there is a reduction in the risk of surgical site infections. Improving air quality must be a part of our comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of infection.

What clinical evidence supports lower SSI risk?
The Illuvia Sense is supported by multiple, peer-reviewed clinical studies that are published in a variety of medical and infection prevention and control publications. These studies validate reductions in SSIs that are substantiable when the device is utilized as part of a comprehensive SSI mitigation bundle.

5. Monitoring and Dashboard

Which air-quality metrics does Illuvia Sense track?
The Illuvia device helps healthcare facilities track important KPIs in the operating room related to air quality, such as temperature, humidity, positive pressure drops (door openings), and particulates. These metrics assist infection preventionists and perioperative leaders with continuous quality improvement and improving patient and staff safety.

What does the clinical dashboard show?
The Illuvia Sense clinical air quality dashboard is a useful tool not only for infection prevention and OR leaders, but equally important to demonstrate a facility’s ongoing continuous quality improvement. This dashboard can provide detailed and actionable intelligence to reduce the risk of SSIs and make environmental adjustments in specific care environments.

What KPIs should a hospital track?

Hospitals should measure environmental KPIs such as particulate counts, temperature, humidity, and door openings. These metrics provide insight into the true environmental risks within the operating room, as well as traffic patterns that might require adjustment and additional monitoring.

Can air-quality data influence clinical practice?
When infection preventionists and perioperative nurse leaders have access to real-time air quality reports, they can make proactive changes to clinical practice to reduce the risks of SSI, preventable harm, and adjust environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and door openings, which also impact SSI risk.

How does Illuvia Sense protect data and privacy?

The Illuvia Sense meets all industry standards for data and privacy protection. In addition, the data can be exported locally using a USB thumb drive. Aerobiotix can work collaboratively with the facility’s IT&S team to ensure all institutional policies and procedures are followed.

What future capabilities are planned for Illuvia Sense?
Healthcare continues to evolve, particularly with the use of artificial intelligence. The Illuvia Sense device will likely incorporate the use of real-time alerts and expanded actionable intelligence capabilities to arm infection preventionists with meaningful data to reduce and target SSIs.

6. Installation, Maintenance, Warranty

Does Illuvia Sense include a warranty?
  • Yes, Illuvia is warranted to be free of defects in material, manufacture, and design for a period of three years.
How is Illuvia Sense implemented?
The Illuvia Sense technology is easy to evaluate and implement. Following a short product evaluation and facility assessment, a trained Aerobiotix sales professional will provide competency-based staff training, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Following this training, you are cleared to immediately begin using the product! It’s literally that simple.

What maintenance and service are required for Illuvia Sense?
The routine maintenance required by the facility is minimal. Staff should wipe down the exterior of the unit with an EPA-registered disinfectant and replace the disposable pre-filter cartridge every 24 hours. HEPA filter replacement and UV lamp replacement are performed by an Aerobiotix representative. The device was human-factors engineered and operates autonomously.

7. Care Settings, Portability, Emergency Preparedness

Where does Illuvia Sense add the most value?
The Illuvia Sense device is designed to be used in any patient care environment where air contamination is a potential risk. The peer-reviewed data demonstrates tremendous value in the operating room.

How can Illuvia Sense support emergency preparedness and surge capacity?
The Illuvia Sense provides healthcare facilities with an autonomous, ready-to-go portable air disinfection device that fully exceeds the ASHRAE 170 standards. The device’s portable nature ensures that it can be easily maneuvered to any location where needed to support surge capacity, including non-clinical areas where airborne disinfection will be necessary.

Can Illuvia Sense be rapidly redeployed during a surge capacity scenario?
Absolutely, the device is highly portable and designed intentionally to be transported easily to where it is most needed. It can easily be brought to any bedside or patient care environment at a moment’s notice.

How does Illuvia Sense help during construction or outbreaks?

The Illuvia Sense can help healthcare facilities meet the stringent requirements of the ASHRAE ICRA 2.0 requirements and reduce airborne contamination during construction, renovation, and demolition. In addition, the device can be used during other environmental events, such as wildfires or for specific infection control measures, such as high-risk patients and/or outbreaks. The device is highly portable and can be moved wherever it is most needed.

Why does air quality matter for fragile patient populations?
These fragile patients have immune systems that have limited response capabilities, leaving the patient very vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Reducing the risk of infections, which includes improving air quality, can be beneficial in protecting this vulnerable patient population.

How can continuous air disinfection support dialysis isolation requirements?
According to CMS guidelines, dialysis facilities must provide an isolation area to deliver dialysis services. Given that patients who use outpatient dialysis facilities often arrive from home or a skilled nursing facility, the deployment of the Illuvia Sense technology in these dedicated isolation rooms can be an additional measure of isolation protection to keep both the patients and staff in the facility safe.

8. Value Analysis, Evaluation, Acquisition

How does Illuvia Sense fit existing workflow and cost goals?
The Illuvia Sense is intentionally designed to incorporate directly into your existing workflow with minimal disruption. The device can be purchased through a variety of acquisition models.

How does Illuvia Sense affect staff and patient experience?
Healthcare facilities can market the use of the Illuvia Sense technology to both staff and patients as a proactive means of promoting safety and reduction of risks. By actively and autonomously removing airborne contaminants from the air, both patients and healthcare staff are protected.

What does a successful 60–90-day evaluation look like?
The Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals, otherwise known as AHVAP, has authored an extensive professional Position Statement on when a product evaluation is required and how to categorize different medical products and technologies according to their level of complexity. This industry-standard approach should be used to achieve compliance with best practices.

References:
1. Parvizi J, Gehrke T, Krueger CA, et al. Resuming Elective Orthopaedic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidelines Developed by the International Consensus Group (ICM). Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2020;102(14):1205- 1212.

Hantavirus FAQ
Ebola Virus FAQ