Stony Brook University Research Shows Positive Results Using Gruenberg Dry Heat Sterilizer on PPE
New Columbia, PA – April 15th, 2020: Thermal Product Solutions, LLC (TPS), a global manufacturer of thermalprocessing and sterilizing equipment, recently announced their efforts to prove the efficacy of dry heat sterilization on personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the facilities they have partnered with in this effort is Stony Brook University located in New York. Stony Brook University recently released an article detailing their preliminary research and finding.
Pilot studies were conducted at the MART (Medical and Research Translation) building at Stony Brook University. The research team used a Gruenberg dry heat sterilizer to determine if there was degradation of the N95 masks after several rounds of dry heat treatment. Results from the testing were positive, showing that the heat treatment did not cause visible structural damage and had no effect on the straps. According to Dr. Shroyer of Stony Brook University, “Fit-test scores were virtually identical between masks processed through four repeated cycles, suggesting that this approach could effectively increase the usable supply of N95 masks by a factor of five. It appears that the heat treatment can also be used to treat other types of surgical face masks.”
After initial tests, the Gruenberg team visited the site to test with thermal data collection probes inserted into the masks along with bacterial biological indicators populated by Stony Brook and retest. These tests indicated a positive six (6) log kill which means that 99.9999% of the biological material is killed. A six (6) log kill is needed to claim disinfection. The Stony Brook University team reviewed all of the test cycles along with the thermal data collected to make modifications to their sterilization protocol. Read the full article for details on this innovative research https://news.stonybrook.edu/sb_medicine/dry-heat-ovens-can-effectively-disinfect-n95-masks/.
About Gruenberg
Gruenberg, a division of Thermal Product Solutions, LLC, is recognized as a leader in the design and manufacture of a comprehensive line of standard and custom industrial batch and conveyor ovens that accommodate temperatures up to 1200⁰F. Gruenberg products are known for their durability, innovation, and superior performance. Additional products offered by Gruenberg include custom pharmaceutical ovens, depyrogenation ovens, granulation dryers, pharmaceutical sterilizers, and lab animal science sterilizers.
About TPS
Thermal Product Solutions (“TPS”), is a leading American manufacturer of industrial ovens, furnaces, pharmaceutical sterilizers, and environmental temperature cycling and stability test chambers. TPS is a global leader in thermal processing products and test solutions with brands including Baker Furnace, Blue M, Gruenberg, Tenney, Lindberg, Lunaire, MPH, and Wisconsin Oven. For more information on equipment solutions from TPS visit the website at www.thermalproductsolutions.com.
