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BS EN 13704:2018
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Quick understanding of the test
BS EN 13704:2018 - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas (phase 2, step 1)
Application
Applicable to products such as disinfectants used in food , industrial areas and more.
- Bacillus subtilis
- The test product is mixed with the test suspension and allowed to interact for a specific contact time.
- An aliquot of the mixture is transferred into a neutralizing solution, followed by plating and incubating the neutralized extract.
- The reduction in viable bacterial spores is assessed by comparing it to the original microbial culture.
- Guides manufacturers in developing more effective sporicidal disinfectants by providing a clear benchmark of performance against spores.
- Enables compliance with regulatory requirements for disinfectant products, facilitating market access and consumer trust.
Turnaround Time
Passing criteria
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Abstract
EN 13704 is a phase 2, step 1 quantitative suspension test that specifies the method and minimum requirements for evaluating the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants. By simulating real-world use environments, this test provides manufacturers with a reliable tool to validate the efficacy of their disinfectants and meet regulatory demands for product safety.
Scope of products for testing
This test excludes areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated, as well as products intended for use on living tissues, except for those used for hand hygiene in the areas mentioned below. The scope of products covered by this test includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- food,
- industrial,
- domestic, and
- institutional settings, etc.
EN 13704 Test Conditions & Requirements
EN 13704 Test Method
- Test product is added to the test tube containing test suspension and interfering substances.
- For interaction between product sample and test microorganisms, mixture is left for specific contact times.
- At the end of contact time, 1 aliquot of mixture is transferred into neutralizing solution.
- In next step, neutralizing extract is plated and incubated for 48 hours to determine surviving bacterial spores.
- After incubation, reduction in viable counts is compared with original microbial culture.
Importance of EN 13704 Test
Spores from bacteria like Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sporogenes, and Bacillus cereus are hard to eliminate and often survive conventional cleaning in industrial and food processing environments. Their resilience can result in product spoilage, equipment contamination, and even foodborne illness.
Thatโs where BS EN 13704 becomes essential. This quantitative suspension test assesses whether a disinfectant truly has sporicidal power under controlled yet realistic conditions. Used during the development and validation of disinfectants, this test helps manufacturers and facility managers ensure their hygiene solutions meet the highest standards for safety, especially in sensitive environments where microbial control is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
At Microbe Investigations, we test for EN 13704 using the following microbial strains: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium sporogenes. Additional stains can be added on customerโs request.
At MIS, we offer a complete spectrum of testing for disinfectants possessing antibacterial, sporicidal, antifungal, and virucidal action.
We have a team of highly qualified microbiology professionals and technical experts who render our testing services as per international standards , while also accommodating specific client requirements.
Our testing areas comprising of aseptic techniques/ practices and modern technologies that generate reliable results.
To get a quote on EN 13704 or want to know more about our testing capabilities, talk to our experts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
EN 13704 test is performed using practical conditions to determine whether a given chemical disinfectant is capable of showing sporicidal action in the intended area of use. However, this test is not implemented for situations where disinfection is medically indicated and to products used for disinfection of living tissues.
EN 13704 test is aimed at products used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas for disinfection purposes.
EN 13704 test takes 2-3 weeks to complete.
At MIS, we do EN 13704 testing using following strains : Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Bacillus cereus (CIP 105151), Clostridium sporogenes (ATCC 19404)
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