Is your point-of-use filter supplier compliant with NETB 2024/03?

This article highlights the NETB requirements for selecting point-of-use filters, outlining the potential clinical risks that can occur when filters fall short, and introduces a downloadable compliance checklist to support procurement and assurance teams.

Key Selection Criteria for NETB-Compliant POU Filters

Point-of-use filters must meet a range of functional and safety-critical benchmarks, as outlined in the downloadable compliance checklist. Your filter should demonstrate:

• Validated 0.2 μm filtration for the full life cycle – Proven total retention (not just log reduction) of bacteria under real-life hospital conditions.
• Leak-free manufacturing integrity – Each filter must pass rigorous pressure testing to detect any potential defects.
• Robust housing with burst resistance – Casings must withstand mechanical stress and pressure over time.
• Secure outlet watertight fit with no splashback – To prevent unfiltered water bypass or drain splash contamination.
• Material compatibility with hospital surface cleaning and water system biocides – Filters must maintain performance during disinfection protocols.
• Protocols to prevent re-use – Ensuring used filters cannot be reattached, avoiding retrograde contamination.
• Regulatory compliance and training – Conformity with Water Fittings Regulations and appropriate user training to prevent human error.

These are not optional extras; they are essential patient safety features for filters used in high-risk areas.

Why It Matters: Patient Safety Implications

The use of non-compliant or substandard filters can have serious consequences:

• Filter degradation could result in bacterial breakthrough, directly exposing immunocompromised patients to harmful pathogens.
• Leaks or poor fitment may allow uncontrolled water to bypass the filter.
• Clogged filters without clear diagnostics or escalation protocols may disrupt clinical water supply or result in improper removal and reuse
• Missed filter installation or exchange can compromise filter performance and create compliance blind spots.

For patients in augmented care, such as lung transplant or stem cell transplant recipients, such failures can be catastrophic. NETB 2024/03 takes a precautionary stance: unless safety is demonstrated and documented, don’t assume it’s safe.

What You Should Do Next

Water Safety Groups and procurement leads should verify that all filters currently in use or under consideration meet the technical and clinical expectations outlined in NETB 2024/03.

Book a consultation with T-safe

Contact our experts today to learn about T-safe’s gold-standard approach to point-of-use filter validation and compliance with NETB 2024/03.