Chemical disinfectants play a very important role in maintaining the required standards of public health through the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. The efficacy of these disinfectants must be tested according to international standards. The European Standard, EN 1040, is one such standard which specifies a suspension test method for the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. This article discusses CSN EN 1040, testing methods, and its importance for public health safety.
CSN EN 1040
EN 1040 is a European Standard developed for determining the basic bactericidal activity of the chemical ingredients of disinfectants. It provides standardized conditions for the test. Compliance with this standard ensures that the product is effective and meets the minimum criteria for efficacy.
Scope and Application
The standard is applicable to products intended to be used in various environments including but not limited to:
- Food preparation areas
- Industrial settings
- Domestic households
- Medical and veterinary facilities
- Institutional environments such as schools and offices
The standard evaluates products that can form a homogeneous and physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water.
EN 1040 Test Requirements
Test Organisms
EN 1040 specifies that the bactericidal efficacy of products should be tested against two key bacterial strains:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538)
The selection of these organisms is based on their relevance with regards to causing healthcare-associated infections and resistance to disinfection.
Methodology
The following are the key steps involved in the testing process:
- Bacterial suspension preparations: Under standardized conditions, bacterial cultures are grown in such a way that a suspension of known concentration can be made.
- Disinfectant preparation: A chemical disinfectant is prepared at specified concentrations as required.
- Exposure and neutralization: The bacterial suspension is exposed to the disinfectant for a defined duration. Subsequently, the mixture is neutralized in a way that there is no bactericidal activity left.
Analysis of bactericidal activity: This parameter is defined by the difference in the number of bacteria before and after the action of the disinfectant. Reduction in the number of viable bacteria indicates the disinfectant’s efficiency.
Results interpretation
The standard requires that at least a 5-log reduction in viable bacterial count should be achieved, under conditions of a basic bactericidal activity test, for the product to be certified.
Impact of EN 1040 on Public Health
Improving hygiene practices
EN 1040 helps ensure that only effective disinfectants and antiseptics are used in environments with a high risk of infection for the maintenance of public health safety. This is especially important in preventing the spread of infections in places like hospitals, schools, and food processing plants.
Disinfection practices standardization
EN 1040 aids in standardizing disinfection practices across different sectors and countries within Europe by providing products certified as per standard protocol. It allows mutual recognition of test results and regulatory approval.
At MIS, we perform the EN 1040 (phase 1 suspension) test for a wide variety of chemical disinfectants and antiseptic products/ formulations. Our microbiology experts use both standardized and customized testing protocols to meet the specific needs for our client’s product samples.
We are also equipped to conduct other quantitative suspension tests similar to EN 1040 for evaluating the bactericidal effectiveness of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics.
Get in touch with us now for a quote on EN 1040 or to discuss our microbiology testing services in detail. Our specialists are ready to guide you through your testing requirements with comprehensive advice.
