RGF® PHI-Cell® & REME HALO® Technology:
Impact on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

From the World Health Organization, “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).” Further from WHO, “COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.”

RGF® manufactures a range of air purification and air filtration products for residential, commercial and healthcare applications. This bulletin aims to answer frequently asked questions for our distributors.

Are test results available for RGF’s PHI-Cell® or REME HALO® on COVID-19?

We currently do not have testing specifically on COVID-19. We are evaluating testing options with partners in both U.S. and China. As there are a limited number of facilities capable of testing for this virus, their focus is on prioritizing testing as it relates directly to the recent outbreaks.

Is RGF’s PHI-Cell® and REME HALO® technology effective at reducing COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a member of the enveloped RNA coronavirus (subgenus sarbecovirus, Orthocoronavirinae) subfamily. While RGF® does not have testing specifically on COVID-19, we have validated test results showing 99+% reductions on similar viruses. These viruses, like COVID-19, are also ‘enveloped’ or protein jacketed virus types. If we can reduce these virus types, an assumption could be made that we would also be effective at reducing the current coronavirus at hand. Important to note that we make no medical claims.

Does RGF® have products approved for use in hospitals and healthcare settings?

Yes, RGF-BioControls® product line includes the Microcon® MAP and Microcon® ExC7 HEPA filtration units designed and proven to reduce risks associated with airborne infectious pathogens like COVID-19 in hospital settings. The Microcon® MAP and ExC7 are FDA 510k compliant ‘Class II medical devices’ and designed within CDC guidelines for treatment of infectious airborne pathogens and in the creation of Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIR).

Can RGF’s PHI-Cell® and REME HALO® products be used in hospital settings?

Many hospitals have approved and installed PHI-Cell® and REME HALO® products throughout their facilities. Using FDA 510k compliant Microcon® products in patient rooms for acute care, in combination with PHI-Cell®/REME® installed in the HVAC ductwork offers a thorough response to infection control. It is recommended in the hospital setting to employ multiple, redundant air purification technologies to achieve best results.

While reviewing this bulletin Dr. Marsden (KSU) commented, “This virus apparently is similar to other viruses that we previously tested. There is every reason to believe that RGF technologies would be effective in reduction of COVID-19.” In combination with RGF® technologies it is recommended to always follow antimicrobial protocols and procedures per regulatory guidelines.

Disclaimer: PHI-Cell® and REME HALO® technology has not been tested on coronavirus (COVID-19) and is not a medical device therefore no medical claims are made. Testing conducted by independent accredited labs and universities.

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or COVID-19

Symptoms are mostly ‘cold’ like, usually mild to moderate cough, headache, sore throat and fever. In more serious cases symptoms include pneumonia and bronchitis.

Prevention and control recommendations from the CDC include 1) Minimize chances of exposure, 2) Adherence to standard precautions 3) Manage visitor access and movement, 4) Implement Engineering controls, 5) Monitor and manage ill and exposed health personnel, 6) Train and educate health personnel, 7) Implement environmental Infection Control.

This bulletin is not intended to provide guidance on the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). For current guidance and information please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) site:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

RGF-BioControls® for Hospitals and Healthcare

Air purification and isolation room systems designed to reduce the risk of infectious airborne pathogen transmission. All Microcon® products are FDA 510(k) and CDC compliant.

Microcon® MAP: Mobile HEPA Air Purifier removes hazardous airborne microbial contaminants using a unique ‘Circumflow’ air pattern to greatly improve ‘breathing zone’ air filtration.
https://www.rgf.com/products/biocontrols/microcon-400-800-map/

Microcon® ExC7: Self contained, ceiling mounted HEPA filter module used for creating negative or positive isolation room pressure. Quickly and easily installed into existing and new facilities with Ecophan® blower module and Accustat® room pressure monitor to create fully automated, compliant Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms.
https://www.rgf.com/products/biocontrols/microcon-exc7-exc7-uv/

Isoport™: Customizable, modular negative pressure isolation rooms easily assembled onsite to encapsulate infectious patients while aerosolized medications are administered.
https://www.rgf.com/products/biocontrols/isoport/

In-Duct Air Purification

PHI-Cell® QRP Guardian Air: UV based advanced oxidation technology installed in the HVAC ductwork to neutralize airborne pollutants like bacteria, virus, odor and mold. Third party testing on H1N1 and Avian Influenza demonstrate inactivation rates of 99+% within 6 hours.*
https://www.rgf.com/product-category/air/commercial-industrial/

Microcon® and PHI-Cell® are proven effective systems allowing for easy customization, quick installation, and provide the freedom and flexibility in planning for infection control and patient loading. For more information visit www.rgf.com or to speak with our RGF-BioControls® healthcare support team call 1-800-842-771 or email biocontrols@rgf.com

*Disclaimer: PHI-Cell® QRP has not been tested on coronavirus and is not a medical device therefore no medical claims are made. Testing conducted by independent accredited labs and university.

Information provided in partnership with RGF Technologies