How Much Does Genuine True HEPA Filter Testing Cost?

The certification of “HEPA” inspires instant confidence in the healthcare industry — and for good reason. In environments where air quality can make the difference between safety and healing or infection and disease, such as hospitals and labs, certified HEPA filters are essential to protecting your patients and staff. 

However, to guarantee this widely-respected performance, HEPA filters must go through rigorous testing to confirm they can regularly meet the demands of healthcare facilities. But this testing comes at a cost and even the most successful hospitals must consider the impact on their bottom line. So, what makes HEPA filter testing so important, and what does it cost to complete? 

What Does HEPA Stand For and How Do They Work?

First, we must understand what it is that we’re certifying. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and it’s widely recognized (and certified) in the filtration industry to powerfully remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers or larger — meaning it can catch everything from dust and pollen to some airborne pathogens. 

HEPA filters are crafted from layers of randomly woven fibers that trap particles using three main methods:

1. Interception: Particles in the airflow hit fibers and get trapped.
2. Impaction: Larger particles crash directly into the fibers and get stuck.
3. Diffusion: Small particles zigzag through the fibers, getting caught in the dense weave.

All of these functional elements, but most importantly the claim that they capture 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micrometers or larger, contribute to the HEPA filter’s reputation and efficiency for reducing dangerous air contamination. 

However, any filter on the market can make claims of efficiency and filtration. The purpose of HEPA filter testing is to prove that these filters do exactly what they claim to do, and can maintain that performance over time. 

Where Are HEPA Filters Most Important?

HEPA filtration is widely regarded as the gold standard in filtration, but using certified and tested air filters is even more critical in sensitive environments where lower-quality air can have a disproportionately negative impact.

This typically includes settings like: 

• Medical Centers
• Hospitals and urgent care
• Pharmaceutical facilities
• Schools and universities
• Airports and other public spaces 

Whether due to a higher volume of traffic or lowered immune systems, these types of facilities can easily become a center for the spread of infectious diseases without careful planning and powerful certified air filtration equipment. 

HEPA Filter Testing Procedures

While there is no specific company that manufactures all HEPA filters, in order to carry the HEPA label, the filter must be tested by both the manufacturer and an independent professional. The Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) has developed the HEPA testing Recommended Practice (RP) with input from Underwriters Laboratories (UL). 

Testing a HEPA filter involves visual inspection, coupled with attempting to pass particles of a specific size through the filter. The rate of passage is recorded for each filter tested. This process is conducted in a laboratory located within a HEPA filter manufacturer's campus. However, once the HEPA filter passes this test, it still needs to be shipped and installed into whatever device will use it, such as a home air filter or negative air machine. Upon installation, the filter must be tested again to ensure transportation and installation have maintained the filter's efficiency.

The Real Cost of HEPA Filter Testing

Any company with a U.S. Department of Energy contract can schedule HEPA filter testing at a number of facilities at no additional cost, as per the DOE Technical Standards. However, the majority of HEPA filters are not manufactured under these conditions. Commercial HEPA filters for a non-governmental project must still be tested - both prior to shipping and again in-situ - in order to qualify as HEPA-certified filters. 

This testing requires specialty equipment, materials, and personnel. The cost of such testing can be as much as $300 per filter. When you purchase a HEPA filter that has already obtained this strict certification that is required in HEPA filters for hospital maintenance and other sensitive settings, the purchaser is therefore saving on that testing.

HEPA vs. HEPA-like Filters: Why the Difference Matters

It’s important to know the difference between true HEPA filters and filters labeled as "HEPA-like." While both may look similar, only true HEPA filters undergo rigorous testing to meet strict standards. “HEPA-like” filters can be tempting because they’re often cheaper to purchase initially, but they don’t guarantee the same level of contaminant control. For places where air quality truly matters, investing in certified HEPA filters is the smarter (and ultimately, safer) choice.

The Unfortunate Cost of Not Using HEPA Filtration

In healthcare environments, maintaining air quality is essential to patient safety. Opting for filters that don’t meet the strict standards of certified HEPA filtration can introduce a range of risks. Filters without HEPA filter testing may fail to capture harmful particles, including bacteria, mold spores, and viral contaminants. This compromise can lead to infection spread within patient care areas, posing a threat to both patients and staff. 

Inadequate filtration can also strongly affect regulatory compliance, potentially leading to fines or operational interruptions — costs that no modern medical facility can afford. Investing in true HEPA filters and ensuring rigorous HEPA filter testing protects both patient health and your facility’s reputation.

2 Must-Do Tips to Ensure Long-Lasting HEPA Filtration

When selecting a HEPA filter for healthcare use there are two steps that you must take in order to guarantee the highest quality of air filtration for your facility over the long term: 

1. Select Reputable HEPA Filter Certification Companies: Working with established companies for your filter testing equipment and services ensures that your filters meet industry standards.
2. Schedule Ongoing HEPA Filter Testing: Regular testing is vital in healthcare settings to confirm filters continue to perform at the highest level, especially in environments with stringent air quality requirements.

By choosing certified HEPA filters and prioritizing ongoing HEPA filter testing, you’re committing to long-term air quality management, reducing the risk of air contamination, and ensuring patient and staff safety for years to come.

Invest in Proper HEPA Filter Testing for Safer Healthcare

In healthcare facilities where air quality directly impacts patient outcomes, investing in certified HEPA filters and robust HEPA filter testing is essential. This commitment to high standards helps prevent harmful airborne particles from infiltrating patient spaces, fostering a safer, healthier environment. 

Partnering with experienced HEPA filter certification companies provides peace of mind, ensuring your facility remains compliant with air quality standards. For more insights on controlling air contamination, download HEPACART’s guide on selecting the highest quality filtration systems to support cleaner air in sensitive healthcare settings.