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BS EN 16616: 2022
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Quick understanding of the test
BS EN 16616: 2022 - Evaluation of microbicidal activity of decontamination process used in chemical-thermal textile disinfection
Application
- Escherichia coli (K12) (NCTC 10538)
- Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538)
- Candida albicans (ATCC 10231)
- Sterilized fabric (carriers) are contaminated with test organisms in defibrinated sheep blood and then dried.
- Contaminated carriers are subjected to disinfection in a washing machine at a specified temperature.
- After the disinfection process, carriers are transferred to tubes containing neutralizing solutions.
- The surviving microorganisms in neutralizing extract are enumerated, and the reduction rate is calculated.
- Provides a standardized framework to verify the efficacy of chemical-thermal processes in eliminating microorganisms
- Assists in meeting regulatory standards and guidelines for textile disinfection, particularly in sectors where hygiene is critical.
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Abstract
This European Standard specifies a phase 2, step 2 carrier test method for evaluating the microbicidal activity of chemical-thermal disinfection processes for textiles. The EN 16616 procedure is carried out by using a carrier and washing machine to replicate the original conditions in which the disinfectant is intended to be used.
Scope of Products
EN 16616 is a standardised method used for validating the disinfection part of the textile laundry process. EN 16616 test method is mainly used in areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated –
- Hospitals, medical facilities and nursing homes
- Clinics of Schools and kindergartens
- Food processing plants, hotels and workwear of pharmaceutical industries, laboratories, etc.
- Laundry disinfectants and those used in kitchens that supply products directly to patients.
EN 16616 Test Conditions & Requirements
EN 16616 Test Method
- Sterilised cotton fabrics of size 1 cm2 are used as carriers for testing.
- Carriers are contaminated with inoculum mixture containing bacterial test suspension and defibrinated sheep blood.
- The carriers are dried and transferred into cotton towels.
- These cotton towels are then subjected to the disinfection process in the washing machine at the test temperature of < 60 ยฐC or โฅ 60 ยฐC.
- After the disinfection, towels containing the carriers are taken out.
- Each carrier is removed from the cotton towel and shifted into a tube with neutralizer and glass beads.
- These tubes are then subjected to mild centrifugation in order to recover test microorganisms from the cotton carrier.
- The number of surviving test microorganisms are counted in each sample and the log reduction rate is calculated.
Importance of EN 16616 Test
EN 16616 is a critical standard for verifying that laundering procedures used in healthcare, food processing, hospitality, and other hygiene-sensitive sectors can achieve the required reduction of bacteria, fungi, and mycobacteria on contaminated textiles. It ensures that disinfectants perform effectively under simulated practical conditions, guiding manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and facilities in validating disinfection claims, meeting safety regulations, and preventing the spread of infectious agents.
Conclusion
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we provide antimicrobial testing services for products from prime industries and manufacturers (disinfectants, textiles, coatings and plastic) worldwide. Our specialised team of experts prioritises on delivering accurate, precise results on time at an affordable cost.
MIS also conducts EN 16615 test method for evaluating antimicrobial activity of disinfectant wipes being used in the medical sector.
For further information regarding EN 16616 testing and other test methods, you can consult our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
EN 16616 specifies a carrier test method to determine the microbicidal efficacy of a single product or product combination used for disinfection of contaminated textiles.
EN 16616 test is applicable for products used for laundry disinfection in medical settings. This test involves a chemical thermal disinfection process to eliminate pathogenic microbes from clothes.
The EN 16616 test takes 2 – 5 weeks depending on the test organism.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we test for EN 16616 using the following microbial strains : E. coli K12 (NCTC 10538), E. hirae ( ATCC 10541), P. aeruginosa ( ATCC 15442), S. aureus (ATCC 6538), C. albicans (ATCC 10231), A. brasiliensis (ATCC 16404), M. terrae (ATCC 15755) , M. avium (ATCC 15769) and E. faecium (ATCC 6057).
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