05.05.2021, 22:38
Facilitating Rapid Responses to Legionella
BBI Solutions is claiming several world firsts with its new mobile Legionella test.
The rapid, on-site Hydrosense test has been launched at a critical time as many buildings such as offices, schools and commercial properties reopen in accordance with the easing of restrictions in several countries.
Using a patented, Novarum™ technology, the manufacturer has developed a mobile app-based test reader and customisable data storage system solution for Hydrosense Ltd, a pioneer in the rapid testing industry committed to making widely available, fast, easy to use, accurate testing for Legionella SG1, the most dangerous strain of Legionella bacteria.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially deadly lung infection caused by the inhalation of Legionella contaminated water droplets. A growing problem in the built environment, Europe and the USA have seen more and more cases of Legionnaires’ disease every year since 2013.
Long term closures have encouraged system stagnation and low flow on a mass scale, leading to factors which promote the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems, such as biofilm formation and thermal gain, as well as the resuscitation of Legionella bacteria in its dormant state.
BBI Solutions’ tailored mobile test, built on Hydrosense’s existing test technology, is an accurate rapid platform which can be used as part of a superior facilities water management program or in a small scale or domestic setting.
The pioneering solution transforms a smartphone into a highly functional test reader, allowing users to read, store and share results quickly with minimal training. The Hydrosense test can be conducted and interpreted in 25 minutes, ensuring that spaces are safe for employees and customers to return or prompting action where necessary.
Dr Neil Polwart, Head of Mobile at BBI, explains: “Creating this bespoke platform to support Hydrosense’s ground-breaking Legionella test was an exciting opportunity. We’re delighted to have delivered this effective, holistic solution.
“Novarum creates innovative, tailored solutions to support individual clients’ needs; every app we create is unique – delivering effective, intuitive mobile eco-systems that enable complex tests to be easily and accurately read with results shared from any location.”
Greg Rankin, Hydrosense CEO, adds: “Our test is the fastest in the world, with results in as little as 25 minutes. We have ensured that we have the fastest possible solution to get information into the hands of duty holders who can decide to shut or clean facilities to protect people immediately, minimising exposure to potentially deadly bacteria and the risk of disease.
“Thanks to our innovative test and our partnership with BBI, Hydrosense has been able to help fast track the reopening of the economy safely when our susceptibility to Legionella is actually at an all-time high.”
Visit the BBI Solutions website for additional information.
