Disinfectant wipes have become more common over the past few years, because they are easy to use in many different settings including hospitals, homes, and many other industry places. They play an important role in cleaning and decontaminating the surface and preventing the transmission of pathogens that cause infectious diseases. But, the product should be subjected to effective antimicrobial testing to ensure they perform as advertised. This article gives an overview of disinfectant wipe testing services and the method and standards to test.
Understanding Disinfectant Wipes
What are Disinfectant Wipes?
Disinfectant wipes are ready-to-use, moist towelettes designed to disinfect surfaces thus killing bacteria and viruses. They are usually impregnated with one or more chemical active ingredients which are effective in destroying pathogens thus reducing the risk of transmission. Disinfectant wipes can be used in areas and on objects which are frequently touched and can be a potent source for the spread of pathogens like doorknobs, counters, dining tables, medical devices. They offer the advantage of being easy to handle which makes them a popular choice for efficient surface cleaning.
Importance of Disinfectant Wipes
From households, offices, restaurants to hospitals, public transportation, schools or daycares, disinfectant wipes are a valuable tool in any cleaning kit. They help reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and germs. Their efficiency and ease of use make them a very important part of the public health arsenal to fight against outbreaks caused by pathogenic organisms.
Disinfectant Wipes Testing Services
Disinfectant wipes must be tested to guarantee effectiveness and safety for use. Disinfectant wipes testing service will assess the efficacy of wipes according to predetermined standards and guidelines to meet relevant health and safety regulation.
Types of Tests
- Efficacy Testing: Wipes are tested against a wide range of bacteria, viruses and fungi to ensure that the wipes perform as claimed. Efficacy tests evaluate the ability of wipes to reduce the load of microorganisms to acceptable levels in a specified contact time.
- Safety Testing: This test monitors the potential of wipes to cause skin irritation or exposure to chemicals in order to ensure that the wipes are appropriate for use by humans.
- Stability Testing: Shelf life testing is commonly used to determine if disinfectant wipes maintain their efficacy when stored for long periods of time and under various conditions.
Standards and Regulations
Manufacturers of disinfectants must comply with regulations to sell their products. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the standards, while in Europe, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) regulates them. Due to the strict regulations that must be followed, disinfectant wipes must undergo testing to confirm efficacy and safety. This compliance reassures consumers thus offering them products that are both reliable and trustworthy.
Several international standards provide guidelines to test the disinfectant wipes. These standards ensure consistency and reliability in testing procedures. Key standards include:
EN 16615: This European standard specifies a test method for evaluating the efficacy of disinfectant wipes against bacteria and fungi on non-porous surfaces.
EN 17126: This is a quantitative (phase 2 step 1 suspension) test for determining the sporicidal efficacy testing of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for the medical area.
EN 1040: Quantitative (phase 1 suspension) test to evaluate the basic bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics
EN 14347: Quantitative (phase 1 suspension) test for basic sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics
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
The Role of Professional Testing Services
Expertise and Experience
Disinfectant wipes should be tested by professional testing services who bring expertise and experience to the table. Experienced microbiologists perform all the testing on these services and use high-end laboratory facilities for a wide range of antimicrobial testing.
Compliance Assurance
Partnering with professional testing services can help manufacturers ensure that their product adhere to regulatory standards and guidelines. These services generate comprehensive documents that will help regulatory filings and product claims.
Continuous Improvement
Professional testing services play an important role in the continuous improvement of the disinfectant wipes. These services allow manufacturers to fine-tune their product formulations by providing accurate test results and thus ensure the effectiveness of their disinfectant wipes via multiple rounds of testing and feedback.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we specialize in testing the efficacy and safety of disinfectant wipes to ensure they meet stringent regulatory standards and effectively eliminate harmful pathogens. Our team of expert microbiologists employs advanced methodologies to provide accurate and reliable results, giving you the confidence to market your disinfectant wipes as safe and effective. Trust MIS to deliver comprehensive testing solutions tailored to your needs.
To learn more about our disinfectant wipes testing services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our specialists today.
