During the current health crisis, Granite Peaks is doing everything we can to protect our patients, as well as our staff and providers. We have updated our requirements regarding visitors in the clinic and the endoscopy center, cleaning surfaces, and wearing masks and gloves, to adhere to CDC guidelines to create a safe healthcare environment during the pandemic.
At Granite Peaks Gastroenterology and Endoscopy centers in Sandy, we have taken a progressive step in cleaning the air, too. We have installed a revolutionary ionizing air filtration technology within our heating and cooling system that not only filters the air for odors and large particle allergens, but also filters and kills pathogens, such as viruses, mold and bacteria – including the human corona virus.
The manufacturer explains the technology:
“A Bi-polar ionization generator creates a cold plasma discharge that consists of positive ions (H+) and negative ions (O2–) from water vapor in the air. These ions have the property of clustering around microparticles and gases, and thus, they surround harmful substances such as airborne mold, virus, bacteria, volatile organic compounds and allergens. At that point, a chemical reaction occurs on the cell membrane surface and they are transformed into OH radicals, a powerfully active but unstable material, which robs the harmful substance of a hydrogen atom (H). As a result, they are inactivated by severing the protein on the cell membrane, opening holes. The OH radicals instantly bond with the removed hydrogen (H), forming water vapor (H2O), and return to the air.
1) The GPS generator creates bi-polar ionization (cold plasma), replicating the same positive and negative ions found abundantly in nature, for example, in woods and forests. Ions are found in the highest concentrations where the ocean meets the shore and high elevation in the mountains. Our plasma process will artificially create the ions found in these desirable locations and supply them into the building, enhancing the indoor air quality. The ions turn into OH radicals only on the surface of harmful substances to inactivate them, so they are completely harmless to the human body and pets.
2) GPS plasma will effectively eliminate bacteria, virus, mold and volatile organic compounds by working directly on the air contained in the entire zone and duct.”
The ionization process removes hydrogen from the pathogen, which they need to survive, thereby inactivating the pathogen without creating harmful by-products.
Tests have proven this technology is highly effective for killing human corona virus, Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff), Norovirus, MRSA, Staphylococcus, mold, E.coli, Tuberculosis, and Legionella. It is currently in use in the aviation industry, as well as the healthcare system, as an effective, additional layer of protection for patients and staff.
Granite Peaks continues to find innovations to keep our patients safe and healthy while in our care. We hope our patients continue to do their part to ensure their own health and safety, as well as that of the people around them.