Steriwave Nasal Decolonization

Photodisinfection is a form of photodynamic therapy (PDT) that involves the application of a light-sensitive compound (photosensitizer) followed by a specific wavelength of light that excites the photosensitizer, causing it to create singlet oxygen molecules. These oxygen molecules rapidly destroy pathogenic microorganisms including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Unlike traditional antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals, microbes are unable to develop resistance to this treatment.

Approximately 30% of general population has some strain of Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) as well as many other organisms in their nose. Individuals at higher risk of infection, such as those who are undergoing surgery, immunocompromised, elderly, and those at higher risk of exposure to infection pathogens or working in an environment where transmission can happen easily can all benefit from Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection. For example: 

• Workers in essential industries (i.e. food processing)
• Healthcare professionals
• First responders
• Professional athletes
• Nursing home residents and staff
• and many others

Individuals allergic to methylene blue or chlorohexidine, or who have nasal anatomical defects which prevent placement of the nasal light tips should not receive Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection. 

Yes. Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection is minimally invasive and has been used in Canadian hospitals over the past decade without any serious side effects. Over 80,000 patients have been treated.

Yes, Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection System is approved by Health Canada for reduction of nasal pathogens.

Steriwave Nasal Photodisifection is Health Candada approved for decolonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and other bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

A clinician’s order or standing protocol is required before Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection treatment can be administered. 

Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection is not intended to replace currently practiced infection control or decolonization procedures. The treatment is designed to be used in conjunction with other measures, including but not limited to, hand washing, disinfectant body wash/wipes, personal protective equipment (PPE), physical distancing, etc.

The nose is a primary source of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which can cause serious infections and unknowingly be transmitted to others. Decolonization is the process of eliminating or reducting microbes from surfaces of the body. Decolonization of the nose and skin has been shown to reduce the risk that patients will develp an infection by as much as 50% or more for certain high-risk populations. 

Most operators can gather patient consent, administer Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection treatment, discard used consumables, clean the device, and be ready for the next patient in 5-7 minutes. 

Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection has an entirely different mechanism of action than conventional antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. It is powerful, immediate, and highly localized. Numerous studies involving repeated exposure of microbes to photodisinfection and then retesting the susceptibility of survivors have provided no evidence that resistance development occurs. 

Most people do not experience any side effects. Side effects are minor and temprorary and can include:

• Slight blue coloration from the blue liquid at nostril-opening (can be removed using standard alcohol swab)
• Increase in sense of smell
• Noticing a slight metallic scent
• Mild throat irritation for a few minutes after treatment from blue liquid that may run down the back of the throat
• Slight nasal warmth from the red light

No long-term adverse effects have ever been noted from Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection in over 80,000 treatments in the past 8-10 years. No fungal or bacterial overgrowth, damage to the lining of the nose, damage to hair follicles, or changes in normal bacteria counts have been noted. In prior deployments, photodisinfection has been applied weekly in sensitive tissues without any significant side effects. 

The active ingredients in the photosensitizer formulation are methylene blue and chlorohexidine gluconate. Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection treatment should not be administered to patients with known allergies to these substances. Due to the low concentration in the formulation, an allergic reaction is very unlikely. However, should a reaction occur, it is likely to be mild and time limited. Contact our medical advisor if a reaction occurs.

No. Light from the Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection System is diffused by the nasal light illuminator tips and will not harm an individual’s eyes unless the tips make physical contact with the eye itself. 

Yes,  Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection can be deployed ouside of the hospitals with medical supervision. 

Individuals should first check with their benefit provider to determine if Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection treatment is a covered expense. Your benefit provider may also offer a health spending account that covers Steriwave Nasal Photodisinfection treatment. If not covered, the personal expense for treatment may be claimed as a deductible medical expense.