Did you know there are invisible threats that linger on every surface, waiting to spread illness at the slightest touch? A disinfectant becomes critical to prevent such illness. But how can you be sure that the disinfectant you’re using is truly up to the task? The answer lies in rigorous, scientifically validated tests that prove whether a product can fight against the toughest bacteria. What are the standardized antibacterial disinfectant test methods that are tailored to test the antibacterial disinfectant to protect public health?

EN 13727 and EN 1276 are the two standards that could make or break the safety of your environment. Understanding how these standards evaluate disinfectants might just be the key to unlocking a safer, healthier future. 

Role of EN 13727 and EN 1276 in Testing

Both EN 13727 and EN 1276 are European standards that specify methods for testing the bactericidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants. These aim to assist the manufacturer in achieving the desired levels of bactericidal activity in controlled conditions.

EN 13727 specifically caters to the health sector by assessing the bactericidal activity of disinfectants and antiseptics used in a medical environment. This will include products intended to disinfect hands, surfaces, instruments and other medical equipment. These antibacterial disinfectant tests determine whether an antibacterial disinfectant can actually kill bacteria under the conditions encountered in healthcare settings.

On the other hand, EN 1276 is more commonly applied to the disinfectants in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas. It is applied in evaluating the bactericidal performance of disinfectants that are used in food processing, kitchens, public areas and generally all non-medical areas. In such areas, the concern is not in creating not only a sterile environment but in ensuring the disinfectants’ ability to maintain hygiene levels and provide control of foodborne diseases.

Key Differences and Similarities between EN 13727 and EN 1276

a) Mandatory Test Strains

Both standards require testing against predetermined bacteria to determine bactericidal efficacy. 

• EN 13727 places emphasis on the following organisms that normally colonize in a hospital setting which includes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus hirae​.

• EN 1276 also includes Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, although emphasis is given to bacteria of interest for food safety such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes​.

Both the standards require the disinfectant to reduce the number of viable bacteria by 99.999% (5 log reduction) under specified conditions. These antibacterial disinfectant test protocols ensure that the products can reduce the bacterial count in various situations.

b) Scope of Products

The scope of products tested by these norms is hugely diversified.

• EN 13727 is intended for products used in the field of healthcare i.e. for isinfection of medical instruments, surfaces and hand hygiene in clinical areas​.

• EN 1276 is intended for products for the food industry, domestic and public areas. The disinfectant tested is for hygiene and bacterial control in non-medical environments​.

c) Methodology

Principle of Phase 2 Step 1 in EN 13727 and EN 1276 

Phase 2 Step 1 or suspension tests, assess a disinfectant’s efficacy against a range of microorganisms in controlled conditions, measuring its ability to reduce microbial counts within a set contact time. 

• EN 13727 applies this method in healthcare to ensure sufficient bactericidal activity in the presence of organic matter. 

• EN 1276 is used in non-medical settings like food production, focusing on performance amidst food residues and grease. 

Key Methodological Differences Between EN 13727 and EN 1276:

Interfering Substances:

• EN 13727: Tests simulate the presence of organic matter (e.g., blood, tissue fluids).

• EN 1276: Simulates food residues, grease and dirt.

In both cases, the antibacterial disinfectant test ensures the product’s efficacy under real-world conditions.

Test Organisms:

• EN 13727:Target is healthcare-related bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

• EN 1276: Includes bacteria relevant to food safety (e.g., Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes).

Test Conditions:

• EN 13727: Lower temperatures, shorter contact times, appropriate for rapid medical disinfection.

• EN 1276: Higher temperatures, longer contact times are appropriate for food and industrial premises.

These parameters in the antibacterial disinfectant test ensure efficacy based on environmental conditions.

Purpose:

• EN 13727: Ensures efficacy in healthcare, focusing on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

• EN 1276: To act against bacteria causing contamination and foodborne disease.

d) Origin of Standard

The two standards are developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

• EN 13727 was initially published in 2003 and thereafter, underwent several amendments. The latest edition of EN 13727 is EN 13727:2012+A2:2015​. This antibacterial disinfectant test was specifically developed to cope with the high demands of medical environments in which the risk of infection is high.

• EN 1276, was created with a broader scope in the late 1990s, covering industrial and domestic disinfectants. It underwent amendment in 2019 to ensure alignment with modern hygiene practices​.

Role of Antimicrobial Testing Labs

Testing laboratories ensuring the compliance of disinfectant products adhere to EN 13727 and EN 1276. These controlled tests under standardized conditions will therefore help in proving whether the tested disinfectants achieve the maximum level of bactericidal activity as per the standard. The antibacterial disinfectant tests will also identify the appropriate conditions under which the disinfectants are most active, such as the appropriate time and contact temperature for use.

Accredited laboratories are used by manufacturers to have their products certified for selling in Europe. The success in the tests allows the manufacturers to market their products as active and safe for use in their respective domains. The EN 13727 and EN 1276 test standards are key to establishing the efficacy of disinfectants used in healthcare, food production and public health settings. 

At Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we conduct broad testing and validation of a wide array of disinfectant products. Using state-of-the-art technology and expert microbiologists, we provide accurate and reliable results.

Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help in validating the claims for your disinfectants and antiseptics.