EN 14476 is a European standard that provides a method to test the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in the medical area. This standard is particularly used for products such as antiviral surface cleaners that are intended to disinfect surfaces potentially contaminated with viruses making it a vital tool in maintaining hygiene in healthcare and communal environments.
EN 14476 is a type of quantitative suspension test. It evaluates the virucidal activity of disinfectants by measuring the ability to inactivate viruses suspended in a test solution.
Scope of EN 14476 for antiviral cleaners
EN 14476 is used to test to chemical disinfectants and antiseptic products that when diluted with hard water or as ready-to-use mixtures form a homogeneous and stable preparation. The standard is intended for products used in a variety of places such as hospitals, dental institutions, care homes, and also domestic and other communal environments like schools and kitchens.
Key components of the EN 14476 standard
Test organisms: The standard specifies using particular virus strains to ensure efficacy of the product against a broad spectrum of pathogens including both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses like Vaccinia virus, Poliovirus, Adenovirus, and Norovirus.
Testing conditions: It details the conditions under which the tests should be conducted including temperature, contact time, and organic load to mimic closely the real situations of usage.
Performance criteria: To pass the EN 14476 test, a product must achieve a log reduction of at least 4 in the virus titers which means it should show 99.99% antiviral activity ensuring a quantifiable and significant decrease in virus activity.
Methodology of the EN 14476 standard
Preparation and procedure
Sample preparation: The product is prepared at specific concentrations and the virus suspension is added with an interfering substance (usually bovine albumin) to mimic organic soiling conditions.
Contact time and temperature: The mixture is maintained at a defined temperature for a set duration to allow the product to act on the viruses.
Assessment of virucidal activity: After exposure, the virucidal activity of the mixture is neutralized and the surviving virus particles are quantified.
Evaluation criteria
Reduction of infectivity: The viral activity measured is the reduction in the number of infectious viral units expressed as the logarithmic reduction of the virus titer.
Cytotoxicity assessment: The test also validates the possible cytotoxic effects of the disinfectant on the host cells used in the virus titration.
EN 14476 standard in public health
Enhancing infection control
The test method recommended by EN 14476 ensures that products claiming to be virucidal are both effective and reliable in reducing the risk of virus spread.
Compliance and safety
Products certified under EN 14476 standard provide the healthcare sector and the public confidence regarding their efficacy which is necessary for infection prevention in high-risk environments like hospitals and clinics.
Importance of EN 14476 for antiviral surface cleaners
Reduction in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)
Effective surface disinfectants that meet the EN 14476 standard can significantly reduce the incidence of HAIs thus improving patient health and reduces healthcare costs.
Public confidence
During outbreaks of viral infections, public spaces equipped with certified virucidal cleaners can operate more safely enhancing community trust and economic stability.
Support for public health
Standardized testing and validation of disinfectants make sure that public health policies and strategies are based on scientific evidence enhancing their overall effectiveness.
Thus, the EN 14476 standard plays a very important role in controlling viral diseases and addressing global health challenges. This standard is essential for protecting health and improving disease control worldwide, especially as we continue to deal with viral epidemics.
Why Choose Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS)?
At MIS, we offer a comprehensive range of antiviral testing solutions for disinfectant products.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and expert team are dedicated to providing comprehensive testing services that meet international standards. With MIS, you can trust in our results’ accuracy and reliability, helping you deliver products that protect and serve the global community. Choose MIS for unmatched quality assurance in the battle against microbes.
Contact MIS today to get your disinfectant products tested for EN 14476 standard.
