The addition of Radic8 air purification devices to the Henry Schein portfolio of air management technologies reinforces the company’s commitment to helping dental professionals provide a safer environment for patients and staff.
Henry Schein has entered into an exclusive agreement with Radic8, a United Kingdom-based manufacturer of air purifier systems, to distribute their devices in the United States and Canada.
The Radic8 Viruskiller is currently being marketed under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement policy for air purifiers during the COVID-19 public health emergency (NOTES: It is not FDA-Cleared or FDA-Approved). While it has not been tested against SARS-CoV-2, the product is intended to be effective at killing SARS-CoV-2 based on its demonstrated effectiveness against viruses that are similar to SARS-CoV-2 or are harder to kill, such as the adenovirus. According to a press release from Henry Schein, the results show a 99.9999%, six log reduction, kill rate in a single air pass. The kill rate is used to describe what percentage of a given germ is killed by a particular process or disinfectant.
According to reports, when dealing with viruses, single air pass kill rates are critical to minimize the risk of cross contamination. Two key factors to consider when using technology to reduce airborne and droplet virus exposure are controlling the airflow to take the danger away from the breathing zone and purifying the air as it passes through the unit in a single air pass. Controlled airflow drags contaminated air away from the breathing zone, replacing it with air that has been purified. Then the purified air is released from the top, pushing contaminated air to the floor and the fan drags it back towards the unit that creates laminar airflow.
“We’re pleased to announce this exclusive agreement with Radic8, as we know that patient safety is a top priority for dental professionals, and air purification systems can help practices improve indoor infection control, reducing the risk of exposure to certain pathogens,” says AJ Caffentzis, president, U.S. dental distribution. “We’re excited to add Radic8 air purification devices to our portfolio of air management technologies, reinforcing Henry Schein’s commitment to helping dental professionals provide a safer environment for their patients and staff.”
The Radic8 air purifier is available through Henry Schein Dental in three different versions: the Radic8 Viruskiller401 (VK 401), Radic8 Viruskiller103 (VK 103), and Radic8 Hextio.
The VK 401 is an air purifier for medium to large rooms. Ideal in spaces up to 645 square feet, it drags contaminated air away from the breathing zone. The purified air of the VK 401 is released against both sides of the wall to maximize distribution and create controlled airflow within the space it is covering. With its air exchange capacity, the VK 401 is recommended for dental operatories, waiting rooms, and sterilization rooms.
For larger spaces, like large dental waiting rooms and large open operatories, the VK 103 draws contaminated air away from the breathing zone in the patient waiting area up to 1,076 square feet. The VK 103 unit creates controlled airflow within the space it is covering and can also be used to regulate positive pressure for medical and health care facilities.
Meanwhile, Hextio is a compact air purifier for spaces up to 215 square feet. The Hextio has an optional directional airflow hood and a quiet night mode. The light indicators show when the air is purified; this desktop unit is a good choice for reception desks and small offices.
