Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing Services
At MIS, we provide antibacterial disinfectant efficacy testing that helps manufacturers evaluate the performance of their disinfectant formulations that claim efficacy against selected bacteria. Our disinfectant testing services support product development, efficacy claim substantiation, and technical documentation for regulatory submissions. Our antibacterial disinfectant testing services are in line with relevant EN, ASTM, ISO, AOAC and other applicable standards, depending on the product type and its intended application.
What Is Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing?
Antibacterial disinfectant testing is conducted to assess how effectively a disinfectant inhibits or reduces viable bacteria under selected test conditions. Disinfectant testing depends on a lot of variables such as the bacterial species, disinfectant concentration, contact time, temperature, and the presence of interfering substances. The disinfectants are tested by challenging them against selected bacteria for a defined time period.
Importance of Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing
Before an antibacterial disinfectant gets launched in the market, the manufacturers are required to demonstrate their product’s efficacy to meet the appropriate regulatory requirements. Regulatory authorities, such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), require relevant efficacy data for applicable product authorisation processes.
If manufacturers cannot prove their antibacterial claims, it may lead to
- Delays in the authorisation of the product.
- Regulatory submissions being rejected.
- Restrictions on marketing the product, or enforcement action, depending on the applicable regulations.
- Unsupported claims can also lead to customer trust being compromised, and can expose manufacturers to potential legal consequences.
Antibacterial Efficacy Test Methods for Disinfectants
EN standards:
- EN 1276
- EN 1040: 2005
Quantitative (phase 1 suspension) test to evaluate the basic bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics
- EN 14347: 2005
- EN 14348: 2005
- EN 17126: 2018
Quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for sporicidal efficacy testing of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for medical area
- EN 1656: 2019
- EN 14204: 2012
- EN 13623: 2020
- EN 13704: 2018
- EN 1499: 2013
- EN 1500: 2013
- EN 12791: 2016 + A1: 2017
- EN 14561: 2006
- EN 14563: 2008
- EN 16615: 2015
- EN 16616: 2015
- EN 17272: 2022
- EN 17387: 2021
- EN 14349: 2012
- EN 16437: 2014 + A1: 2019
- EN 13697: 2015 + A1: 2019
- EN 13727: 2012 + A2:2015
ASTM standards:
- ASTM E2799: 20212
- ASTM E2871: 2021
- ASTM E2274: 2016
- ASTM E2406: 2016
- ASTM E2362: 2022
- ASTM E1153: 2022
Evaluating the efficacy of sanitizers intended for inanimate, hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces
- ASTM E2276: 2019
AOAC standards:
- AOAC 960.06
- AOAC 991.47
EPA standards:
- EPA #01 01A
- EPA MLB SOP MB 41
PAS standard:
- PAS 2424
Evaluating residual (bactericidal and/or yeasticidal) efficacy of liquid chemical disinfectants
Types of Disinfectants That Can Be Tested
At MIS, we provide antibacterial disinfectant testing services for products designed to be used in diverse industries and applications, including healthcare, food processing, industrial, institutional, and domestic settings.
Common types of disinfectant products tested at MIS include, but are not limited to the following –
- Surface disinfectants
- Ready-to-use disinfectants
- Concentrated disinfectants
- Spray disinfectants
- Wipes and disinfectant-impregnated materials
How Does Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing Work?
Antibacterial disinfectant testing is conducted in different phases –
Phase 1 (Basic Suspension Test)
In Phase 1, the basic bactericidal activity of a disinfectant is evaluated against selected bacteria under controlled laboratory conditions using a quantitative suspension test. It provides an initial assessment of bactericidal activity. Phase 1 antibacterial disinfectant testing results alone do not establish efficacy under practical application conditions.
Phase 2, Step 1 (Quantitative Suspension Test)
It tests the disinfectant against selected bacteria suspended in a liquid under defined conditions, such as specified contact times, temperatures, and interfering substances such as proteins.
Phase 2, Step 2 (Quantitative Carrier Test)
This test evaluates the disinfectant’s efficacy under simulated practical conditions, such as on non-porous surfaces, instruments, or other relevant carriers, depending on the applicable standard. It assesses whether the disinfectant achieves the required level of bactericidal activity under real-world conditions that it is intended for.
How Is Antibacterial Disinfectant Efficacy Measured?
Antibacterial efficacy is typically measured by comparing viable bacterial counts before and after disinfectant exposure. Results are often expressed as logarithmic reduction (log reduction).
For example:
- 1-log reduction: 90% reduction.
- 2-log reduction: 99% reduction.
- 3-log reduction: 99.9% reduction.
- 5-log reduction: 99.999% reduction.
Why Choose Microbe Investigations for Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing Services?
Looking to validate the efficacy of your disinfectant products?
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we help manufacturers evaluate disinfectant efficacy through scientifically designed disinfectant testing services that are tailored to their products, intended use, and target microorganisms.
From selecting suitable test methods to generating scientific data for claim substantiation, our team supports you throughout the testing process.
Contact MIS to discuss your antibacterial disinfectant testing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions on Antibacterial Disinfectant Testing
Which standards are used to test antibacterial disinfectants?
Common standards include EN 1276 for bactericidal activity in suspension, EN 13697 for bactericidal activity on non-porous surfaces, EN 13727 for bactericidal activity in medical areas, and ASTM E2315 for evaluating antimicrobial activity using a time-kill procedure. The appropriate standard depends on the product’s intended use and testing requirements.
What is the difference between a suspension test and a surface test?
A suspension test evaluates disinfectant activity against bacteria suspended in a liquid medium. On the other hand, a surface test evaluates disinfectant efficacy in real world contamination scenarios. Disinfectant products are exposed to surfaces that are deliberately microbially contaminated under defined test conditions.
How is the antibacterial efficacy of a disinfectant measured?
Efficacy is commonly measured by calculating the reduction in viable bacterial counts following disinfectant exposure. Results may be expressed as log reduction or percentage reduction. The required performance criteria depends on the applicable standard, product category, and intended use of the disinfectant.
How long does disinfectant efficacy testing take?
3-4 weeks is the typical turnaround time for disinfectant efficacy testing.
How do I select the right antibacterial test for my disinfectant?
Selecting the right antibacterial test depends on your product’s intended use and the regulatory requirements of your target market. Choose a test based on the disinfectant’s intended application, target bacteria, product formulation, contact time, and efficacy claims. MIS can help assess your antibacterial disinfectant testing needs and identify a suitable protocol.
- EN 16615
- EN 1276
- EN 13697
- EN 13727
- EN 14349
- EN 14561
- EN 1040
- PAS 2424
- AOAC Use Dilution Test
- AOAC 961.02
- ASTM E1153
- EN 14563
- EN 13704
- EN 1499
- EN 1500
- EN 14348
- ASTM E1174
Other Industries
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