Point Of Use (POU) Filters: Alternate Names Used in Healthcare

A point-of-use (POU) filter is a water filtration system installed at a single location where water is used, such as a faucet, showerhead, or under the sink. It’s designed to filter water at the point where it is consumed, rather than filtering water for an entire building or system, which is a point-of-entry (POE) filter.

POU filters are often used in emergencies such as Legionella outbreaks when someone has come down with Legionnaires or if water tests show a high Legionella positivity rate in the water. These filters can be ordered and shipped the same day or the next day to quickly protect patients, residents, guests, and staff. POU filters can serve as short-term Legionella control solutions until a secondary disinfection system like copper-silver ionization (CSI) or monochloramine can be put in place. For some applications, POU filters can serve as a good long-term control of Legionella. In either case, a risk assessment should be performed onsite immediately by an engineer who is also an ASSE 12080 specialist to determine the best next steps and help to keep the water safe.

Most healthcare professionals are familiar with point-of-use (POU) water filters but alternate names may be used by hospitals, nursing homes, infection control specialists, and healthcare engineers. Below are the terms that are commonly used when referring to point-of-use filters:

• Point-of-Use (POU) Filters: This is the standard term used in both hospitals and nursing homes to describe filters installed directly at water outlets, such as faucets and showers, to remove contaminants immediately before use.
• Shower Filters: This specifically refers to filters attached to showerheads, these are commonly used to prevent exposure to waterborne pathogens during showering in healthcare facilities.
• Faucet Filters: These filters are installed on sink faucets in hospitals and nursing homes to ensure that water used for drinking, handwashing, or medical procedures is free from harmful microorganisms.
• Legionella Filters: In contexts where the primary concern is preventing Legionella bacteria, filters designed to remove such pathogens are referred to as Legionella filters.
• Microbiological Filters: This term is used when the focus is on removing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, from the water supply.
• Sterile Filters: In areas requiring high sterility, such as operating rooms or intensive care units, filters that ensure water is free from all viable microorganisms are termed sterile filters.
• Antimicrobial Filters: These filters are designed with materials that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, providing an added layer of protection against potential pathogens.
• Terminal Filters: While this term is more commonly associated with air filtration systems, in some healthcare settings, it is also used to describe filters installed at the final point of water delivery to the user.
• FDA-cleared POU Filters: These are filters that meet a specific FDA standard that aids with infection control.
• FDA-Approved Inline Water Filters: These are filters that remove waterborne pathogens through inline filtering.

The choice of terminology often depends on the specific application, the pathogens of concern, and the standard practices within a particular healthcare facility. With so many options that will vary based on your healthcare requirements, water flow, and pathogen load, you should contact Legionella Control Systems for expert POU filter insights. We can recommend the most effective and cost-efficient pathogen control for your organization.

We can also help with healthcare waterborne pathogen risk assessments, ST108 testing, Legionella testing, secondary disinfection, Legionella remediation, and water management plans. Contact us now at info@legionellacontrolsystems.com or 888-416-8626.