Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) pose serious threats to patient safety and public health in healthcare settings. Use of effective disinfectants in such settings can reduce the incidences of HAIs. Development of such disinfectants involves several steps that include efficacy testing at every stage of development. This paper aims to discuss the role of efficacy testing of hospital disinfectants having the capacity to counteract HAIs.
Understanding Hospital-Acquired Infections
Hospital-acquired infections are picked up by patients while they are receiving treatment for different diseases or injuries in a healthcare facility. Some of the frequently noted HAIs are urinary tract infections (UTIs), wound/ surgical site infections, blood-borne infections, and pneumonia. These infections can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic in nature.
Importance of Effective Disinfection
Disinfection of different articles is very critical when it comes to preventing the spread of diseases in healthcare facilities. Maintaining a disinfection protocol can help remove pathogens on any inanimate object, thus helping slow the spread of diseases.
Role of Efficacy Testing
Not all of the disinfectants used in the hospitals for the purposes of cleaning and spraying are able to kill all the types of pathogens found in the hospitals. This variability strengthens the argument for efficacy testing of hospital disinfectants.
Efficacy testing of disinfectants refers to evaluating how effective a disinfectant product is against specific microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Testing involves a series of standard tests that simulate the product’s use in real-world scenarios.
Standards and Protocols
The standard test methods specify the methodology for efficacy testing of hospital disinfectants and the minimum performance criteria that disinfectants must meet to be considered effective. Some of the key standards include:
EN 13727– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants intended for medical area
EN 14348– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for mycobactericidal or tuberculocidal efficacy testing of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for medical area
EN 17126– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for sporicidal efficacy testing of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for medical area
EN 1499– Quantitative (phase 2 step 2 suspension) test for bactericidal efficacy testing of hygienic hand wash products used in the medical area
EN 14476– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for the virucidal activity of disinfectant or antiseptics used in medical areas
EN 16777– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for virucidal activity of disinfectant used in the medical area
EN 1275– Quantitative (phase 1 suspension) test for evaluating basic fungicidal or basic yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for medical areas
EN 1650– Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for medical areas
Benefits of Efficacy Testing
Efficacy testing of hospital disinfectants offers several benefits that are crucial for developing effective products to combat HAIs:
Validation of Effectiveness: Confirms that a disinfectant works by eradicating certain microorganisms and can thus work in actual healthcare facilities.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with EPA and FDA guidelines.
Public Confidence: Builds trust in healthcare facilities’ ability to maintain a safe and hygienic environment, crucial during infectious disease outbreaks.
Efficacy testing is one of the fundamental concepts in the formulation of disinfectants meant to eliminate hospital-acquired infections. Methods employed for efficacy testing are very stringent in order to prove that the disinfectants are effective and safe to apply in the healthcare facilities. Efficacy testing of hospital disinfectants also helps meet regulatory requirements.
For healthcare facilities and manufacturers seeking to ensure the efficacy of their disinfectant products, Microbe Investigations Switzerland offers comprehensive testing services.
Contact MIS to verify the effectiveness of your disinfectants against a broad range of pathogens and ensure they meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
