VanTsteri

Archives: Case Studies

  • SPF Animal Facility Rotavirus Response

    From pathogen identification to environmental treatment and follow-up monitoring.

    Identifying the pathogen behind the concern

    An SPF research animal facility experienced diarrhoea in suckling mice and engaged VanTsteri to investigate and address the problem. The team collected faecal samples on site. Testing by a molecular laboratory identified murine rotavirus A, establishing the pathogen of concern for this project.

    Considering the environment and associated items

    Drawing on the faecal–oral and contact transmission pathways described by VanTsteri’s project representative, the project placed emphasis on both the associated environment and items.

    VanTsteri planned treatment of air, surfaces, HVAC systems and relevant equipment and utensils around the facility’s layout, with particular attention to areas that could be overlooked. The work used VanTsteri’s contamination-control technology and was coordinated with isolation management and testing.

    Explore contamination investigation and source tracing

    Mice in an animal housing containerA gloved handler examining a mouse
    Case photographs supplied by VanTsteri. View photo 1 · View photo 2

    Project highlight: addressing environmental transmission risks

    The project used the identified pathogen and its transmission pathways to define the treatment scope. Related spaces, systems and items were considered together to reduce the risk of continued contamination through the environment and associated items.

    Following treatment with observation and testing

    According to the project record, the facility underwent one environmental treatment, followed by two weeks of isolation management. No further diarrhoea was observed during that period.

    Follow-up continued for four months, with environmental and suckling-mouse faecal testing conducted several times each month. Murine rotavirus A was not detected in those tests. These findings relate to this project’s observation period and testing scope.

    The value VanTsteri provided

    VanTsteri connected the investigation of diarrhoea and identification of the pathogen with environmental treatment, coordinated isolation management and follow-up testing. This provided a targeted response and observations and test results for evaluating the outcome.

    If your research animal facility is facing a similar contamination concern, discuss contamination investigation, facility environmental treatment and follow-up monitoring with VanTsteri.

    Discuss animal facility environmental decontamination

    Related decontamination options

    VanTsteri also provides vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) equipment and environmental decontamination services for suitable applications. Suitability and treatment scope are assessed for each site. This related option is separate from the project account above, which does not identify its treatment technology.

    Explore VHP equipment

    Case information

    This anonymized case is based on VanTsteri’s project materials and information supplied by its project representative. The customer’s identity is withheld.

  • Stem Cell Storage: Mycoplasma Contamination and Robotic Support

    Connecting cell-recovery concerns with the storage environment and targeted service support.

    Contamination discovered during cell recovery

    A stem cell storage facility found contamination when cells were recovered. The company’s case account reports related microorganisms in the storage environment and identifies mycoplasma as the organism involved.

    Initial environmental treatment brought some areas closer to an acceptable condition, but contamination in the cold-storage area remained serious. The facility therefore sought support from VanTsteri.

    Assess the environment and connected facilities

    The project called for attention to the storage environment, surfaces and associated facilities. VanTsteri’s account highlights contamination investigation, treatment suitability for low-temperature areas and review of the ventilation and filtration system.

    Planning considers the microorganism involved, equipment and material compatibility, and residual-agent control. The approach is tailored to the storage facility and its requirements.

    Mobile robotic support across connected areas

    KINO PRO was used in this project. Its mobile capability supports planned tasks across connected corridors and areas in a larger storage facility. The movement path and task positions are assessed on site against the actual layout and service requirements.

    Concept illustration, not the actual project layout, dimensions or a validated treatment route. Animation speed controls affect the illustration only.
    Open the full-size robot illustration →

    Mobility with a defined scope

    Equipment applied
    KINO PRO mobile robot
    Connected areas
    Corridor movement supports planned tasks
    On-site assessment
    Review actual paths and task positions

    Explore KINO PRO →

    Material compatibility matters

    Storage facilities contain different materials, finishes and equipment components. KINO PRO’s third-party compatibility report evaluates five specified metal specimens under its test conditions. These results can inform a compatibility review; they do not guarantee corrosion-free performance for every material or facility component.

    Review PRO material compatibility evidence →

    Separate organism-specific technical evidence

    Related VHP technical evidence includes report PDC202501004 for KINO SE used with its accompanying hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. It reports a 5-log reduction in the infectivity titer of the tested Mycoplasma hyorhinis strain relative to the untreated control under the report’s conditions.

    This is independent KINO SE test evidence. It is not a measured result for the KINO PRO used in this storage project, and a reduction in infectivity titer is not a claim of complete elimination.

    Read the SE mycoplasma testing summary →

    Discuss your storage environment

    This case highlights the need to connect cell-recovery findings with the storage environment and facilities. VanTsteri can help assess the concern and develop a site-specific service scope. The published account does not provide a final project test result or follow-up outcome.

    Discuss stem cell storage decontamination →

  • Aseptic Filling Area Mold Control

    Investigating mold contamination and coordinating rooms, equipment and HVAC.

    Repeated treatment had not resolved the mold findings

    A pharmaceutical manufacturer found mold during routine environmental monitoring in its aseptic filling area. Although the overall microbial counts met the site’s requirements, mold findings still required attention under the area’s strict contamination-control requirements. Repeated decontamination under the manufacturer’s existing procedures had not resolved the problem, so the customer asked VanTsteri to investigate.

    Illustrative aseptic filling room with filling equipment and HEPA airflow
    Illustrative aseptic filling environment.

    Investigating the site before defining the response

    VanTsteri investigated where mold contamination was occurring and considered possible pathways of spread. The site assessment covered filling, capping, freeze-dryer unloading and aseptic changing areas, together with the associated ventilation system.

    The area had many small rooms, narrow corridors and obstructions formed by isolators and conveyors. These conditions meant that a single device could not suit every part of the treatment area.

    Explore contamination investigation

    Coordinating rooms, filling equipment and HVAC

    VanTsteri used vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) technology with a combination of portable units, an intelligent decontamination robot and dedicated HVAC decontamination equipment. The arrangement took account of the different spaces and equipment layout, coordinating treatment of the rooms, filling-related equipment and the associated HVAC system.

    On-site work followed the customer’s aseptic operating requirements and controls on personnel access.

    Explore VHP equipment

    Customer monitoring and subsequent follow-up

    According to VanTsteri’s project account, the customer monitored for mold for seven consecutive days after treatment and did not find mold. During follow-up within the first year after treatment, no further mold problem was reported in the same area.

    These observations apply to this project’s monitoring and follow-up scope.

    A response shaped by the actual production environment

    The value of this project was to bring the room layout, equipment obstructions and HVAC system into a coordinated response, rather than treating only readily accessible surfaces. VanTsteri provided decontamination support matched to the site, while the customer’s ongoing quality and production-area management supported subsequent contamination control.

    If your aseptic production area is experiencing recurring mold contamination, discuss a site investigation and a coordinated room, equipment and HVAC treatment plan with VanTsteri.

    Discuss aseptic area decontamination

    Case information

    This anonymized case is based on VanTsteri’s project materials and information confirmed by its project representative. The customer’s identity is withheld. The illustration shows a general aseptic filling environment, not the project’s actual layout or decontamination in progress.

  • Care Home: From VHP Service to Long-Term Robotic Use

    A customer relationship that developed from on-site environmental support into continued equipment use and a repeat purchase.

    Environmental support during a norovirus incident

    An anonymous care institution invited VanTsteri to provide environmental terminal decontamination support following a norovirus incident. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) was used as part of the institution’s response to the environmental concern.

    The service provided the starting point for a longer relationship between the customer and VanTsteri. This story focuses on the subsequent equipment application and purchasing history, as reported by the company.

    From on-site service to equipment application

    After the on-site service, the institution purchased a VanTsteri decontamination robot. According to VanTsteri’s account, the customer arranged tasks in designated areas each week as part of its own environmental management.

    This schedule describes the customer’s application. Equipment suitability, treatment areas and task arrangements are assessed against the needs of each facility.

    Illustrative decontamination robot in an unoccupied care home corridor
    Illustrative application scenario; not a photograph of the customer facility.

    Equipment in daily management

    Service starting point
    Environmental VHP support
    Customer application
    Weekly tasks in designated areas
    Related equipment
    Explore KINO PRO →

    A repeat purchase after approximately 3–4 years

    VanTsteri reports that the institution continued using its robot for approximately three to four years and then made a repeat purchase. The company describes this continued use and repurchase as customer recognition of the equipment’s value in its own application.

    The exact models involved in the two purchases have not been confirmed. KINO PRO is presented below as a related product reference.

    Illustrative customer history from environmental decontamination support to robot purchase, designated-area tasks, approximately three to four years of use and repeat purchase
    Illustrative partnership timeline based on company-reported customer history; supporting scenes and icons are conceptual.

    A continuing customer relationship

    First step
    On-site environmental support
    Continued use
    Robot tasks within the customer’s own schedule
    Customer history
    Approximately 3–4 years, followed by repurchase

    Related product evidence, with a defined scope

    KINO PRO’s third-party testing summary covers simulated-use surface decontamination against specified microorganisms and compatibility with specified metal specimens. Findings apply to the equipment, materials and conditions in the respective reports.

    This product evidence is separate from the care home’s application history. It is not a norovirus field-test result for this customer, and the purchasing history is not a measure of disease prevention.

    Review KINO PRO testing & material compatibility →

    Discuss support for your care environment

    From an immediate environmental concern to planned equipment use, VanTsteri can help assess your application and the support you need. Discuss your facility, designated areas and service requirements with our team.

    Discuss environmental decontamination support →

  • Pheasant Hatchery: A Project-Specific Environmental Response

    Investigating a hatchery concern and reviewing a tailored environmental response.

    A concern in a nationwide breeding business

    User-provided reference photograph of a long-tailed bird standing on grass beside a fence
    User-provided scene reference; not verified as the customer’s facility or evidence of treatment results.

    An anonymous pheasant breeding business supplying breeding birds nationwide sought VanTsteri’s support after eye infections appeared among newly hatched chicks. According to the company representative’s account, testing and a review by disease-control personnel identified chlamydial involvement.

    The finding described concerns a bacterial organism, not a virus. VanTsteri investigated the facilities and environment to understand the project’s needs.

    Different stages, different treatment scopes

    The project distinguished between vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) terminal treatment of the environment and equipment between batches, and a proprietary dynamic environmental treatment programme during hatching. The dynamic programme is not presented as the same technology as the between-batch VHP treatment.

    The company representative describes the latter as a professional project arrangement during a stage when chicks were present. This historical account does not provide instructions for chemical treatment around live birds or recommend applying chemicals to birds.

    Illustrative pheasant hatchery facility with enclosed incubation equipment, egg-handling areas and no treatment activity
    Illustrative facility environment; not the customer’s actual facility, a treatment procedure or evidence of bird recovery.

    A defined project scope

    Investigation
    Review facilities and the environment
    Between batches
    Environmental and equipment VHP terminal treatment
    During hatching
    A separate proprietary environmental programme

    Observations reported by the company representative

    In subsequent checks, the examined chicks’ tracheas did not show the injury described in the account. This observation relates to the chicks and checks reported; it does not establish comprehensive safety for animals or other applications.

    The representative also reported temporarily lighter feather colour. As the birds grew and replaced their feathers, their plumage became brighter. This change is retained as part of the account and is not described as proof that the treatment had no adverse effects.

    The representative reports that later reviews did not identify a similar outbreak. No follow-up duration was provided, so this is presented as a reported observation rather than a permanent prevention claim.

    Follow-up with a clear evidence boundary

    The company representative describes interest from the local agricultural department. This is not presented as an approval or certification of the treatment.

    The case illustrates a project-specific response informed by the facility and its operating context. It does not publish a disease-incidence percentage, a killing-rate claim or a general guarantee of chick safety.

    Discuss your facility’s environmental requirements

    VanTsteri can help review an environmental concern and define a suitable service scope, including where between-batch VHP terminal treatment may be relevant. Assessment and verification requirements are considered for the actual project.

    Discuss hatchery environmental support →

  • VHP Robots in a Lyophilization Workshop

    Repeating validated paths under the conditions covered by the validation.

    A coordinated response across multiple functional rooms

    A pharmaceutical manufacturer commissioned VanTsteri to address mold contamination in a lyophilization workshop of approximately 500 m². The project included Grade C production areas and Grade A filling areas with a Grade B background.

    With multiple functional rooms and different production spaces, the response needed to account for the actual layout and coordinate treatment across the workshop.

    Explore contamination investigation

    Combining robotic planning with VHP technology

    VanTsteri combined decontamination robots with vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) technology. The work included mapping the area, planning robot positions and paths, monitoring the decontaminating-agent concentration during treatment, and recording the process.

    Illustrative pharmaceutical workshop layout, HVAC zones and robot placement
    Illustrative pharmaceutical workshop layout and HVAC zoning.

    The planning connected the robot’s work with the workshop’s rooms and production layout, providing a defined basis for treatment and subsequent evaluation.

    Explore VHP decontamination robots

    Project validation and reported outcome

    According to VanTsteri’s project record, the chemical indicators (CI) and biological indicators (BI) met the project’s acceptance criteria. Project validation was used to evaluate the treatment outcome under the conditions at this site.

    Illustrative VHP robot control platform with example status and monitoring data
    Illustrative robot control interface. Displayed data are not project records.

    The project account reports that the treatment helped resolve the mold contamination problem and enabled the manufacturer to resume production. These reported findings apply to this project.

    The value of repeating a validated path

    When the site and process conditions remain within the scope covered by the validation, the robot can repeat the validated paths and positions. This reduces differences caused by ad hoc manual adjustments and supports repeatability, traceability and reliability in execution.

    Repeating a path alone does not establish the effectiveness of every treatment. If the layout or process conditions change, the applicability of the existing validation needs to be reassessed.

    If your pharmaceutical workshop has multiple functional rooms, discuss robotic VHP decontamination, project validation and repeatable execution with VanTsteri.

    Discuss pharmaceutical decontamination

    Case information

    This anonymized case is based on VanTsteri’s project materials and information confirmed by its project representative. The customer’s identity is withheld.

    The workshop image is an illustration, not the project’s actual layout. The control-platform image is illustrative; its robot icons, date and displayed values do not establish the equipment used or measurements from this project. The linked robot product is a related current offering, not an identification of the model used in this project.

  • Cell Laboratory Mold and Mycoplasma Response

    Connecting contamination investigation, equipment treatment and environmental control.

    When contamination keeps returning

    A cell culture laboratory at an unnamed medical school encountered recurrent mold contamination, disrupting cell preparation and research. The laboratory had already carried out routine equipment and environmental treatment, but mold returned during subsequent work. The team also suspected less visible mycoplasma contamination and sought VanTsteri’s support.

    Research laboratories may work with cells from different sources and involve varied personnel and working practices. These differences create cross-contamination risks that need to be assessed in context. They do not, by themselves, establish the source of contamination in this project.

    Explore contamination investigation

    Investigating equipment, environment and working practices

    VanTsteri began with a site investigation, combining environmental and equipment sampling with a review of working practices, ventilation and cleaning-tool management.

    The project account reports mold findings and mycoplasma in some samples. It also identifies contamination residues in equipment crevices, internal recesses and some laboratory glassware. These findings supported a response that brought equipment, the environment and daily management together.

    Illustrative cell preparation facility layout showing functional areas, equipment and personnel and material flows
    Illustrative cell preparation facility layout. Grades and configurations shown do not identify this project’s actual facility.

    A coordinated scope

    Equipment
    Crevices and internal recesses
    Environment
    Laboratory space and ventilation
    Daily management
    Working practices, consumables and cleaning

    Translating findings into a targeted VHP response

    VanTsteri used vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) to treat the relevant equipment and laboratory environment, and helped the laboratory review consumable preparation and cleaning practices. The treatment addressed equipment and the environment; it was not a treatment of live cells.

    The service connected the investigation findings with a site-specific response, followed by post-treatment sampling to assess the outcome.

    Separate technical evidence for mold and mycoplasma

    Independent tests provide additional evidence for KINO SE used with its accompanying hydrogen peroxide disinfectant. These equipment tests are separate from this laboratory’s post-treatment sampling and do not identify the equipment model used in this project.

    Black mold: hard-surface test

    Report 2024XDJ142 records killing log values greater than 3.00 for the tested black mold (Aspergillus niger) in each test under the specified conditions.

    View mold test evidence

    Mycoplasma: infectivity reduction

    Report PDC202501004 records a 5-log reduction in infectivity titer for the tested Mycoplasma hyorhinis. The finding demonstrates a reduction, not complete elimination.

    View mycoplasma test evidence

    The reported results apply to the tested equipment, disinfectant, organisms and conditions; they are not performance claims for every configuration or laboratory.

    Post-treatment findings and the return to research

    According to VanTsteri’s project account, the post-treatment samples tested did not detect mold, mycoplasma or the other microorganisms assessed. After work resumed, the account reports stable cell growth and no recurrence of the earlier contamination problem during the reported observation period.

    The project brought contamination investigation, targeted treatment and outcome review into one service response, helping the laboratory restore normal research work. The source does not state the duration of follow-up.

    Discuss laboratory decontamination

  • Hospital Cell Culture Room: Mycoplasma Investigation and Response

    Project background

    VanTsteri's company account describes mycoplasma contamination during cell recovery at an anonymous hospital's cell culture facility. The account reports related mycoplasma findings in environmental samples and continued contamination after initial treatment.

    Investigation and response

    The investigation considered culture media and serum, incubators, biological safety cabinets, cleaning practices and ventilation. The described response addressed process equipment, cold-storage equipment, the room environment and the HVAC system, alongside continued monitoring and discussions about hygiene controls.

    Company-reported outcome

    The source reports that the combined investigation and environmental response brought the cell-room contamination problem under control. It provides no project-specific sample count, detection limit or measured log reduction.

    Relationship to other source accounts

    It has not been confirmed whether this account and the other mycoplasma-related cell-facility account concern the same project. Equipment allocations and outcomes are not transferred between them.

  • Cold Room Mold Remediation

    Low-temperature VHP at −18°C, without warming the room or removing goods.

    When repeated manual treatment did not control the problem

    A pharmaceutical facility identified mold contamination in a cold room. According to the source account, the customer isolated potentially affected areas and made several attempts at manual spray treatment, but the contamination continued to spread. The production area had been shut down for approximately two weeks before VanTsteri became involved.

    Illustrative pharmaceutical raw-material preparation and cold-storage layout
    Illustrative cold-storage layout. This project was treated at −18°C. View original illustration

    Project at a glance

    Project temperature
    −18°C
    Goods
    Left in place
    Cold-room conditions
    No warming
    Identified mold
    Penicillium

    The layout is a general illustration. Its 2–8°C and −20°C labels describe the diagram, not this project’s treatment temperature.

    Using identification and distribution to guide treatment

    VanTsteri worked with the customer to investigate the distribution of contamination and submitted mold samples to a testing organization for molecular identification. The samples were identified as Penicillium. The identified organism and its distribution helped define the treatment priorities.

    Explore contamination investigation

    Project highlight: treating in place at −18°C

    For this project, the cold room had to remain at −18°C, with goods left in place. VanTsteri used its low-temperature vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) technology to carry out in-situ decontamination under the site’s cold-storage conditions, without warming the room or clearing out the stored goods.

    This approach avoided the need to first move the goods and adjust the cold-room temperature as part of the treatment arrangements.

    Low-temperature technical support

    VanTsteri holds documentation of surface-disinfection testing at −18°C under specified conditions. These records provide a reference for low-temperature capability; the on-site mold-control outcome in this project is assessed separately. The related equipment page presents the historical test conditions and their limits.

    Explore low-temperature VHP equipment

    Project outcome and continued service

    According to VanTsteri’s project representative, the mold contamination problem in the treated area was resolved. During subsequent contact and service visits, the customer did not report a return of the previous mold problem in the same area. The customer continued to commission VanTsteri’s decontamination services.

    These are project-representative reports and customer feedback, rather than a claim of laboratory non-detection, a specified follow-up duration or permanent prevention.

    The value VanTsteri provided

    The project combined contamination investigation, low-temperature VHP technology and the site’s storage constraints. It provides an example of in-place treatment for a cold room that could not be warmed, while leaving stored goods in place.

    If your pharmaceutical cold room is experiencing mold contamination, discuss contamination investigation, low-temperature VHP equipment and a site-specific treatment plan with VanTsteri.

    Discuss cold-room mold treatment

    Case information

    This anonymized case is based on VanTsteri’s source materials and information confirmed by its project representative. The customer’s identity is withheld.

  • Research Animal Facility: Investigation and Environmental Response

    Project background

    VanTsteri's company account describes an infection incident at an anonymous SPF research animal facility covering approximately 2,000 m². The investigation considered animal housing, support spaces and the ventilation system.

    Investigation and response

    The source reports that an external identification service identified ticks found during the investigation. The response combined vector-control measures, changes to filtration and environmental decontamination using vaporized hydrogen peroxide. Chemical and spore biological indicators were used to evaluate the treatment.

    Company-reported outcome

    The account describes three days of treatment followed by a one-week closure before restart. It reports that subsequent observation found no further tick-associated transmission. The observation period and underlying test records are not specified.

    Scope of this account

    This is an anonymous company-reported project, distinct from the pre-operational 450 m² SPF facility case. It does not establish a measured log reduction, permanent protection or an animal-health guarantee.