Disinfectants are essential in controlling infections by eliminating viral pathogens on various surfaces. EN 14476 standard is used to evaluate the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants planned to be used in the medical area, among others. This standard assesses whether the tested disinfectant is capable of providing effective protection against viruses by ensuring that they can inactivate the virus.
Disinfectants to be tested with EN14476
EN 14476 applies to chemical disinfectant and antiseptic products that form a homogeneous and physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water or for ready-to-use products with water. These products are used in the medical areas for:
- Surface disinfectants: These are utilized on non-porous surfaces like floors and countertops to eliminate viruses.
- Hand sanitizers, hand rubs, and handwash: These are used for hand sanitization.
- Instrument disinfectants: These are used in medical areas for sterilizing surgical instruments such as dental tools, and other medical devices.
- Textile disinfectants: Used to get rid of viral pathogens from fabrics, clothing, and linens and disinfectant wipes.
Why is EN14476 testing important for viral infection prevention?
- Role in infection control
Effective virucidal products are very important for managing outbreaks of viral infections, especially in healthcare sectors where the risk of transmission is very high. The EN 14476 standard helps ensure that products used in these high risk areas are effective and capable of reducing viral loads on the surfaces.
- Impact on healthcare quality
By providing a clear benchmark for virucidal activity, EN 14476 helps healthcare facilities choose the most effective products, thereby improving the overall quality of care and patient safety.
Core aspects – EN 14476 for viral infections
- Test strains
EN 14476 test specifies certain strains including both enveloped (Poliovirus) and non-enveloped (Adenovirus) to test the effectiveness of the disinfectants. These tested products must be effective against these strains to pass the EN 14476 criteria.
- Test conditions
The specific test conditions for EN 14476 are—temperature set between 10°C and 40°C and a range of contact times—to evaluate the activity of the disinfectant under various scenarios, ensuring thorough evaluation.
- Scope of application
EN 14476 certified disinfectants are applicable for a wide range of applications including hospitals, dental practices, and other healthcare sectors where it is very important to control infections.
Choosing the right disinfectant
For selecting the right disinfectant, the specific needs of the environment where the disinfectant will be used should be understood. Factors to consider include:
- Certification: Look for products that are EN 14476 certified.
- Specific needs: Select the right disinfectant based on where the product will be used like medical facilities, schools, or hotels. This also includes the surfaces or materials that need to be cleaned.
- Usage guidelines: Follow manufacturer’s instructions to get the best results.
Role of MIS
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Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS) offers a comprehensive suite of disinfectant testing services.
With state-of-the-art laboratories and a team of expert microbiologists, MIS offers comprehensive testing services that comply with global standards.
Interested in EN14476 testing or want to know more about our testing services, contact our experts here.
