Fungicidal disinfectant testing plays an important role in the manufacturing of products that are used for the disinfection of various environments which are prone to fungal contamination. These include products used in hospitals, laboratories and public washrooms. This article discusses the differences and applications of two important European Standards, EN 1650 and EN 17387, which are commonly used for fungicidal testing of disinfectants.
The key differences and similarities
Similarities
Origin of Standard
EN 1650 and EN 17387 were developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to standardize disinfectant testing protocols across Europe. These methods developed for evaluating the effectiveness of fungicidal disinfectants, enhance the uniformity and dependability of testing outcomes.
Differences
Test Strains
Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis are the obligatory test microorganisms to be used while performing the test as per EN 1650 standard. According to EN 17387 test standard also, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis are the obligatory test strains for the determination of the fungicidal activity of disinfectant products. This standard also gives guidelines for the evaluation of the bactericidal activity of disinfectant products against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Scope of Application
EN 1650 is broadly applied for testing disinfectants that are used in food processing, industrial, domestic, public spaces and institutional areas.
EN 17387 is applicable for testing disinfectants intended for non-porous surface disinfection in medical settings.
Methodology
EN 1650 is a (Phase 2, step 1) quantitative suspension test to evaluate the reduction in viable fungal cells after exposure to the disinfectant.
EN 17387 (Phase 2, Step 2) is a carrier test method to determine fungicidal disinfectant efficacy. An inoculated test organism applied on a stainless steel surface is treated with a disinfectant solution under the test conditions thus simulating the conditions of medical settings and viable microbial count is determined.
Choosing the right disinfectant
It is important to consider the product’s intended area of application during the decision-making process on EN 1650 or EN 17387. The selection of the right disinfectant also matters as it must align with practical needs and scenarios of disinfectant application.
Fungicidal disinfectant testing
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To learn more about our EN 1650 and EN 17387 testing services or to discuss which test is right for your product, please contact our specialists today.
