Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) also known as nosocomial infections are infections that patients acquire within a healthcare sector during their stay or visit. These infections can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stays and increased healthcare costs. Effective infection control measures are crucial in minimizing the spread of HAIs among which the use of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics is vital. The CSN EN 1040 standard provides a thorough guideline for validating the bactericidal activity of these chemical agents ensuring they are effective in environments suitable for pathogen proliferation such as hospitals.
The importance of disinfectants testing in controlling HAIs
Disinfectants are chemical agents targeting the inactivation or killing of microorganisms on surfaces. Effective disinfectants should be used in hospitals to prevent transmission of infections from surfaces and equipment to the patients and healthcare workers. Disinfectants target and kill microorganisms thus limiting the spread of the pathogens responsible for HAIs.
How CSN EN 1040 examines Disinfectant effectiveness
CSN EN 1040 specifies a standardized method to test the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants intended for use in the medical area to prevent HAIs. This includes disinfectants applied on surfaces, instruments, and other objects that may come in contact with bodily fluids. The standard outlines the necessary conditions and organisms for testing including common and challenging pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. EN 1040 helps ensure that only effective disinfectants are used in healthcare settings which is important for controlling HAIs.
The Impact of CSN EN 1040 on Infection Control in Hospitals
CSN EN 1040 tests that disinfectants meet the standard of bactericidal efficacy. It directly impacts infection control practices to prevent HAIs in hospitals. Healthcare facilities that use products tested as per this standard can be more confident in their infection control protocols. This confidence is critical in places where the risk of infection is high.
Improving Infection control protocols
The disinfectants found effective under the CSN EN 1040 standard are part of the infection control procedures in the hospital and form the first line of defense against infection arising out of surface and equipment contamination. This type of strict testing and validation according to the CSN EN 1040 ensures the bactericidal efficacy of these disinfectants used in hospitals. By mandating a high level of bactericidal activity, it helps to significantly reduce the risk of HAIs for those patients who are already more vulnerable because of their weakened immune systems or their invasive procedures.
Standardization of disinfectant products
Adherence to the requirements of CSN EN 1040 standard in the manufacturing process guarantees that the disinfectant products will provide a 5 log reduction in the bacterial load and this gives the health care facilities an option to choose disinfectants for cleanliness and safety. Assessment of the level of efficacy among various products would allow for like-to-like comparison and therefore facilitates the procurement of products for health care settings.
Importance of EN 1040
- Reliability: The controlled testing environment and defined performance metrics, for example 5 log reduction in bacterial count, give a reliable measure of disinfectant efficacy.
- Comparability: All products are analyzed under the same criteria so that healthcare providers can compare disinfectants based on their efficacy, and therefore compare product performance.
- Compliance and Safety: Products meeting the CSN EN 1040 standards are widely recognized as safe and effective as they comply with broader regulatory guidelines and reduce the risk of regulatory non-compliance.
Continuous review and adaptation, such as updating the range of test organisms to include antibiotic-resistant and hospital-relevant strains, are needed to make the role of CSN EN 1040 better and more effective in the fight against HAIs. Besides selecting the correct disinfectant, the other important aspect is staff training on the correct method of application of the disinfectant and following other hygiene practices. CSN EN 1040 is an important framework for the measurement of the efficiency of disinfectants, however, its efficiency will be largely dependent on the consistent updation, proper implementation, and integration within a wider strategy on infection prevention and control.
As HAIs continue to cause a significant threat to public health, this standard for testing disinfectants is very important for maintaining high hygiene levels and protecting patient health in the healthcare sector.
At MIS, we conduct the EN 1040 (phase 1 suspension) test and other quantitative suspension tests like EN 1276 and EN 13697 to evaluate the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Our microbiology experts utilize both standardized and customized methods to meet the diverse testing needs of our clients’ products.
Contact us today to get a price quote or learn more about our microbiology testing services. Our team is ready to provide you with expert consultation and guidance tailored to your specific requirements.
