Quick insights
- ISO 21702 is a test method used to evaluate antiviral activity on plastics and non-porous surfaces
- ISO 18184 is used to evaluate antiviral performance of textile products
- EN 14476 is used to assess virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics.
- The main difference between these test standards is the product category and methodology
- Choosing the wrong standard can end in rejected claims, regulatory submissions, or misleading efficacy data.
Summary
In ISO 21702 vs ISO 18184 vs EN 14476, the main difference is in the product category being tested. ISO 21702 is used for antiviral plastics and non-porous surfaces, ISO 18184 determines efficacy of antiviral textiles, and EN 14476 assesses virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Choosing the right standard is important for obtaining scientifically valid antiviral claims and meeting regulatory expectations.
Why does choosing the right antiviral standard matter?
The need and demand for antiviral products has grown significantly across many industries such as healthcare, consumer goods, textiles, packaging, and hygiene settings. However, not all antiviral products work in the same way. And hence, they need different testing standards. Understanding ISO 21702 vs ISO 18184 vs EN 14476 is crucial as they use different testing methodologies, contact conditions, inoculation procedures and efficacy calculations. Selecting the wrong standard can lead to:
- Delays in product launch
- Facing rejection from regulatory authorities
- Increased cost due to retesting
- Loss of credibility regulators and end users due mismatched efficacy data
What is ISO 21702?
ISO 21702 is an international standard used to evaluate antiviral activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The method determines how effectively a treated surface reduces viral infectivity after a specified contact time.
Products tested under ISO 21702:
- Coating materials
- Metal substrates
- Ceramics
- Paints & coatings
- Natural and artificial leather, rubber etc
Test methodology
- Test and control samples are prepared according to given guidelines
- Viral inoculum is applied, covered with a coverslip and evenly spread
- Neutralizing agent is immediately added to control samples after inoculum
- Samples are incubated at 25ยฐC and 90% humidity for 24 hours
- After incubation, the remaining virus is recovered using neutralizing broth, followed by serial dilution
- Viral tire is quantified using plaque assay or TCID50 to assess infectivity.
Passing criteria:
The antiviral activity of the samples is determined by using the formula R= Log10(Ut) – Log10(At). To pass the test, the treated surface must show a higher log reduction than the control surface to be considered effective.
Also read : How Antiviral performance of Plastics and Non-Porous Surfaces is measured
What is ISO 18184?
ISO 18184 is an international test standard developed to evaluate antiviral activity in textile products. This standard is specifically designed for porous and absorbent materials such as fabrics and fibres.
Products tested under ISO 18184?
- Woven, non-woven and knitted fabrics
- Yarns
- Active wear
- Socks
- Daily wear
- Surgical clothes, scrubs, masks
- Other home textiles
Test methodology:
- Test and control samples are placed in separate sterile plates
- Viral inoculum is added to both samples
- Immediately, neutralizing solution is added to a set of control samples
- All the sample are incubated for a specified contact time
- After incubation, neutralizing solution is added to the remaining samples, followed by serial dilution
- Viral growth reduction determined either by plaque assay or TCID50.
Passing criteria:
The antiviral activity of the samples is determined by using the equation – Mv = Log10(Va) – Log10(Vc).
- If the log value is between 2 and 3, the textile is considered to have good antiviral performance,
- If the log value is equal or greater than 3, then antiviral performance of the textile is considered excellent.
Also read : ISO 18184 Antiviral Textile Testing: How the Test Works, Results & Compliance Guide
What is EN 14476?
EN 14476 is a European standard used to evaluate the virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants used in medical area. The test assesses whether a disinfectant can kill viruses under specified contact conditions.
Products tested under EN 14476:
- Hygienic hand rubs and hand washes
- Instrument disinfectants
- Surface disinfectants
- Textile disinfectants
- Disinfectants used in patient care, nursing homes, clinics of school and kindergartens.
Test methodology:
- A test suspension is prepared and inoculated with virus
- This mixture is incubated under specified test conditions for predefined contact time.
- After incubation, an aliquot of sample is neutralized followed by serial dilutions
- Viral infectivity is evaluated using TCID50 assay and cytopathic effect (CPE) observations
- Separate tests are performed for controls alongside, to compare the results with test samples.
Passing criteria:
According to EN 14476, a disinfectant must achieve at least a 4-log reduction (99.99%) in virus titres to meet standard requirements.
Also read
- Difference Between EN 1276 and EN 14476: Bactericidal vs Virucidal Standards Explained
- Why 4 Log Reduction is Mandatory for EN 14476?
ISO 21702 vs ISO 18184 vs EN 14476: Key differences
| Parameter | ISO 21702 | ISO 18184 | EN 14476 |
| Purpose | To determine antiviral activity in plastics and other non-porous surfaces | To determine antiviral activity of textiles (porous surfaces) | To evaluate virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics |
| Test organisms | Influenza A H3N2, Feline calcivirus | Influenza A H3N2, Influenza A H1N1, Feline calcivirus | Non-enveloped viruses: Poliovirus, Adenovirus, Murine Norovirus Enveloped viruses: Vaccinia virus |
| Scope of products | Plastics, coatings, ceramics, natural and artificial leather, rubber. | Woven, non-woven, knitted fabrics. Yarns and other textiles | Surgical clothes, masks, scrubs, Hygienic hand washes and hand rubs |
| Result interpretation | Quantitative log reduction comparison between treated vs control surfaces | Quantitative log reduction – โฅ2 log = good effect โฅ3 log = excellent effect (commonly used guidance) | Quantitative log reduction – โฅ 4 Log reduction (99.99% reduction) |
| Developed by | International Organization for Standardization | International Organization for Standardization | European standard/ European Norm |
Which antiviral test is best for your product?
The best antiviral test for your product depends on the material, application method and intended claim.
| Product category | Recommended antiviral test |
| Plastics and non-porous surfaces | ISO 21702 |
| Textile and fabric materials | ISO 18184 |
| Hygienic hand rubs and hand washes | EN 14476 |
| Instrument disinfectants | EN 14476 |
| Textile disinfectants | EN 14476 |
Why some antiviral products fail regulatory review
- The selected antiviral standard does not match the actual product category or material type.
- Broader product claims compared to what the test standard can validate.
- Testing conditions may not accurately simulate real-world product usage conditions.
- Non-compliance with region-specific regulatory standards and documentation requirements.
- Insufficient validation of contact time, viral growth reduction level, or application method.
- Surface products are evaluated using suspension tests that are not scientifically suitable for application.
- Missing data on efficacy, or poor claim evidence can delay approvals.
Need help to choose the right antiviral test?
Selecting among ISO 21702 vs ISO 18184 vs EN 14476 can be difficult, particularly when products are made of more than one materials, coatings or intended applications.
At MIS, we provide antiviral efficacy testing support, right from choosing the best suitable standard for your product to rigorous testing and generating reliable and reproducible efficacy data.
Contact our experts here to discuss your testing needs regarding ISO 21702, ISO 18184 and EN 14476,
FAQs
How do I know which antiviral test standard is suitable?
The correct antiviral standard depends on the product material, intended use, application industry and regulatory requirements.
Why canโt textiles use ISO 21702?
ISO 21702 is designed for non-porous surfaces like plastic, whereas textiles are absorbent, porous materials and behave differently during viral exposure. ISO 18184 is a suitable method for textiles.
Is EN 14476 mandatory in Europe?
EN 14476 is not mandatory but widely expected for validating virucidal claims of disinfectants and antiseptics used in medical and hygiene settings
Are EN 14476 and ISO 21702 interchangeable?
No, EN 14476 evaluates the virucidal activity of disinfectants and antiseptics whereas ISO 21702 evaluates antiviral activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces.
Can antiviral claims be rejected?
Yes, antiviral claims can be rejected by regulatory or supervisory bodies if you product does not the selected test method does not match required performance criteria.
Can antiviral surfaces replace disinfectants?
No, antiviral surfaces reduce viral survival over time and cannot replace routine disinfection procedure. Disinfectants provide immediate microbial reduction through active chemical action.
How long does antiviral effect last on treated surfaces?
The time period of antiviral activity depends on various factors such as chemistry of the coating, abrasion, environmental exposure and cleaning frequency..
Can washing reduce antiviral textile performance?
Yes, repeated washing can reduce antiviral textile performance depending on the durability of the antiviral treatment, washing conditions, and fabric type.
What viruses are commonly used in these standards?
Commonly used virus strains include Influenza A strains, Feline calcivirus, Murine Norovirus, Adenovirus, Poliovirus, Vaccinia virus.
