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BS EN 13697
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Quick understanding of the test
EN 13697:2015+A1:2019 - Quantitative non-porous surface test for the evaluation of bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas
Applicable to disinfectants intended for food preparation areas, public facilities, industrial cleaning, and domestic environments.
- Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus hirae
- Fungi/Yeast: Aspergillus brasiliensis, Candida albicans
- A stainless steel surface is used as a carrier for the test.
- Test strains are inoculated onto the carrier and allowed to dry.
- Disinfectant is applied to the dried microbial film on the carrier surface.
- After the contact time, the dried inoculated surface is neutralized, and the surviving microorganisms are quantified.
- This standard closely mimics practical usage conditions, ensuring the test results are highly relevant to real-life applications.
- It covers a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
Turnaround Time
- ≥ 4 log reduction for bactericidal activity.
- ≥ 3 log reduction for fungicidal/yeasticidal activity.
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Abstract
BS EN 13697 is phase 2 step 2 carrier test for assessing the bactericidal, fungicidal and yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants intended for use on non-porous surfaces. This test method simulates practical conditions under which disinfectants are used on non-porous surfaces with or without mechanical action like scrubbing or wiping. The method tests disinfectants both under clean and dirty conditions thus providing an all-round analysis of whether disinfectant agents significantly decrease microbial contamination during practical usage.
Products Tested using EN 13697 Test Method
EN 13697 is applicable to chemical disinfectants that form a homogeneous physically stable preparation in hard water or for ready-to-use products with water intended for use in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas. It excludes areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated and products used on living tissues.
EN 13697 Test Conditions & Requirements
EN 13697 test method
- A test suspension containing the target organisms is added to an interfering substance.
- The mixture is then inoculated onto a non-porous surface like glass or stainless steel and is allowed to dry.
- The test product (sample) and the control (hard water) are then applied to the surface containing the dried microbial film.
- The surface is maintained at the specified temperature for a defined contact time as instructed by the manufacturer.
- After the contact time lapses, the surface is neutralized using a neutralizing solution to halt the disinfectant action.
- The surviving microorganisms are then quantified to assess the efficacy of the disinfectant.
- The difference between the initial microbial count and the surviving count after disinfectant treatment is calculated as the log reduction value.
Strengths of EN 13697 test
The strengths of performing this test method are:
- It closely mimics the conditions found in everyday usage thus providing reliable results.
- The method applies to disinfectants used in a wide range of environments, including food processing, industrial cleaning, and household use.
- By testing under both clean and dirty conditions, the standard ensures that disinfectants are effective in various scenarios.
- It tests both bactericidal and fungicidal activity of disinfectants, thus encompassing a very wide range of microorganisms.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we specialize in conducting EN 13697 tests to validate your disinfectant products. Our experienced team provides comprehensive testing services to ensure your products meet the required bactericidal and fungicidal standards.
For antimicrobial efficacy of surface disinfectants, MIS also performs EN 1276 and EN 14476 test methods.
For more information on our test pricing, facilities, and services, contact our team experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
EN 13697 is a quantitative (phase 2 step 2) non-porous surface test that specifies the bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants. This test is only for chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas.
The test is applicable for chemical disinfectant products used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas.
The test takes 3 to 4 days for bacteria and 7-14 days for fungi.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we perform the tests using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica ( ATCC 10708), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017). Additional strains can be added on request.
EN 1276 is a suspension test, while EN 13697 is a surface test used to assess the disinfectant efficacy.
Manufacturers who develop disinfectants that are intended to be used in industries such as food processing, hospitality, and public transportation must comply with this standard.
The standard tests disinfectants under both clean and dirty conditions, using specific microorganisms and standard exposure times to simulate actual usage environments.
No. This standard evaluates bactericidal and fungicidal activity. EN 14476 test can be performed for assessing virucidal activity.
Organic soil, such as food residues, can inhibit the action of disinfectants. The standard includes the use of organic soil to ensure the efficacy of the product when used in dirty conditions.
Yes, disinfectant wipes used on non-porous surfaces can be tested using this test method.
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