Frequently asked questions

At Arjo, our priority is in ensuring the wellbeing of our employees, our customers and the patients and residents we serve each day. As the outbreak continues, we are monitoring all developments closely and taking relevant preventive measures to manage the situation in the best way possible.

Arjo is following recommendations made by global authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The current global pandemic is due to a novel (new) coronavirus named SARS-COV-2. The resulting respiratory disease has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). You may see both terms in the FAQ’s.

General questions

How has the recent coronavirus outbreak affected Arjo, and what are you doing to support healthcare?
This is an unprecedented situation and our employees are making great efforts to support healthcare in these challenging times. We have noted an increased demand for medical beds, therapeutic surfaces and within rental since the outbreak. As expected, we are seeing a decline for product categories that are not directly relevant to COVID-19. We are monitoring developments closely, and doing everything we can to continue delivering the necessary products and support our customers.

What has Arjo done to prepare field employees during the coronavirus outbreak?
We are following all relevant recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local authorities in the countries we operate in.

How do you ensure the safety of your field employees?
We have standard operating procedures in place and trained staff with significant expertise in managing contamination's. Our field employees are equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or similar solutions to ensure their safety when visiting customer facilities. Further, recommendations from local authorities are being followed closely in the countries we operate in.

Are you expecting any supply chain disruptions?
We are doing everything we can to minimize any impact on orders. We are also working closely with our suppliers to increase our stock to minimize possible disruptions. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will keep you informed in case of any deviations.

Is Arjo open for business as usual?
We are open for business and here to support our customers. We have developed plans to maintain continued business operations and customer support in each country, and are revising these continuously to manage any deviations given the changing conditions. Please follow normal procedures to reach your service or sales representative.

Arjo Products and COVID-19

Which disinfectants have authorities approved for use against SARS-COV-2
We recommend you consult your national health authority website for guidance on any specific disinfectants that may be approved for the use against SARS-COV-2

Following use of an Arjo powered mattress with a COVID-19 patient, is the deflation of the mattress an aerosol generating procedure (AGP)?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread via moist droplets in the air which either make contact directly with the mucous membranes of the face (eyes, mouth, nose) directly or via touch thereafter (indirectly). Increased air movement in the absence of droplets will not spread the virus. Arjo powered mattresses expel air but not aerosols during deflation, therefore deflation of the mattress is not an aerosol generating procedure.

Can Arjo patient lifters be decontaminated using HPV (Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour) when a deep clean of a ward is required?
No, HPV cannot yet be used on Arjo Patient Lifters because of the oxidising nature of hydrogen peroxide. There is potential for vapour entering a product containing electrical components that could lead to electrical malfunction and potential structural corrosion.

Do Arjo Flushers operate at a sufficient time / temperature to kill the virus?
Arjo washer disinfector family, Amigo, Ninjo, Tornado and Typhoon comply with the requirements of EN ISO 15883-3 as thermal disinfectors for human waste containers.

Arjo washer disinfectors will destroy all non-heat resistance viruses including SARS-COV-2 virus contamination that may be on bedpans and urine bottles. Arjo recommend running at least the following selected programme ‘Normal’ + ‘Add’ Arjo detergent. The Ao value of the thermal disinfection process can be monitored on the display during and at the end of the program run.  

If my Arjo Flusher does not have a detergent dispenser is it still effective to kill the virus?
Yes, Arjo washer disinfector family, Amigo, Ninjo, Tornado and Typhoon comply with the requirements of EN ISO 15883-3 as thermal disinfectors for human waste containers.

Arjo washer disinfectors will destroy all non-heat resistance viruses including SARS-COV-2 virus contamination that may be on bedpans and urine bottles. Arjo recommend running as a minimum selected programme ‘Normal’.   The Ao value of the thermal disinfection process can be monitored on the display during and at the end of the program run.

Will Arjo Clean be able to kill the new SARS-CoV-2 virus?
Arjo Clean has been tested and passed EN 14476 challenge tests for virucidal activity. Current scientific consensus indicates that SARS-COV-2 virus does not have particular properties that makes it more resistant to typical chemical or thermal disinfection processes. This being the case, Arjo Clean is suitable as a chemical disinfectant against SARS-COV-2 virus contamination on surfaces when used in accordance with instructions.

How should our reusable slings be disinfected?
Refer to Arjo instructions for use for the relevant sling. Current scientific consensus indicates that SARS-COV-2 virus does not have particular properties that makes it more resistant to typical chemical or thermal disinfection processes.

Is there an equivalent disinfectant to Arjo Clean?
Arjo Clean is a quaternary ammonium formulation. There are many third party providers of quaternary ammonium based disinfectants, which will provide equal disinfection performance to that of Arjo Clean. If Arjo Clean is not available in a facility then recommend consult the labelling on locally available disinfectants to establish an equivalent formulation. Use this equivalent in accordance with its labelling.

Can other Arjo Support Surfaces be used to place a proned patient on?
Arjo surfaces are not contra indicated for placing a person on in a prone position.  If the clinical need demands because of the lack of a purpose designed surface, then a local risk assessment should be undertaken to determine how the patient’s airway patency via natural or assisted respiration can be continuously ensured to avoid self-suffocation or blockage of ventilator tubing. Additionally the patency of all other tubing is to be risk assessed including bladder catheterisation, IV lines and drainage lines.

Is there a filter in the AtmosAir 9000 mattress, and is there a risk that the virus is inside the mattress when in a COVID positive room and then when used with another patient – is that air in the mattress still clean?”
There is no filter in the AA9000 mattress. Providing the mattress cover is undamaged there will be no ingress of body fluids or other contaminants.  There is no risk of the virus contaminating the inner foam nor the air containing cells.

• Should there be fluid ingress into the mattress, then it should not be re-used. 
• From a COVID perspective, even if there is body fluid penetration via the mattress cover to the foam mattress, it is unlikely to contaminate the airtight cells. Thus air-venting from this mattress will not contain the virus.

• The decontamination procedures outlined in the instructions for use are in line with national guidelines.

Should the AtmosAir 9000 be disinfected per IFU as usual or should we suggest something different for COVID-19 patients?
Both Sodium Hypochlorite with 1000ppm chlorine and 70% alcohol are approved for use by WHO and others for disinfection following use with a COVID19 patient. These disinfectants are detailed in the instructions for use.

Does the air which inflates an Arjo DVT compression garment /sleeve get pushed into the room when it deflates?
The Arjo VTE pump draws air in from the surroundings, compresses the air and inflates and deflates the air in the compression garment / sleeve worn by the patient.  During the deflation cycle most of the air is released within the pump away from the patient.  The garment / sleeve does release a very small volume of air when inflating but this has little effect on the airflow within the room. Overall the VTE pump and connected compression garments / sleeves have little effect on the air flow in the room in which they are operating.

Do you have any additional recommendations for decontamination of Sara Plus cords at this time?
In addition to following the directions in the Instructions For Use (IFU), the cords are made from polymers and will not be affected if commonly available disinfectants such as alcohol based or chlorine based disinfectants are used. These can be applied using suitable wipes.

Are Arjo low air loss powered mattresses compatible for use with COVID-19 patients?
Yes, all models of Arjo low air loss powered mattresses are compatible for use with COVID-19 patients.  When operating, the mattress's low air loss function allows small amounts of air to permeate from the cells of the mattress.  The air is dissipated by the top cover and does not generate additional hazards in the air in the surrounding environment. 

Q: Are Arjo low air loss powered mattresses compatible for use with COVID-19 patients?

A: Yes, all models of Arjo low air loss powered mattresses are compatible for use with COVID-19 patients.  When operating, the mattress low air loss function allows small amounts of air to permeate from the cells of the mattress.  The air is dissipated by the top cover and does not generate additional hazards in the air in the surrounding environment.