ISO 21702 is an International Standard that provides a quantitative method for determining the virucidal activity of non-porous surfaces and proves material efficacy against viruses. This test method acquires further importance during global viral outbreaks when all safety and hygiene measures are strictly scrutinized. Since non-porous surfaces are used in everyday life, from healthcare surfaces to consumer goods, ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing is of paramount importance to minimize risks of viral transmission.
In this article, we shall discuss the core components of ISO 21702, its importance in public health safety, and how it ensures the efficacy of materials which we interact with daily.
Understanding virucidal activity
Virucidal activity refers to the ability of a material or substance to kill or inactivate viruses. Although, unlike bacteria, viruses are unable to multiply without a host, some of them can survive for quite a long period of time on surfaces depending on the materials. Non-porous materials, like plastics and metals, are frequently encountered in healthcare settings, public places, and consumer products. Understanding their virucidal activity is critical for the reduction of viral transmission, especially in environments where high levels of hygiene must be met.
Non-porous materials are of particular interest because they do not absorb fluids or particles like porous surfaces. This makes them more predisposed to retaining the viral particles on their surface, posing a health risk to the public. Effective ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing ensures that such surfaces are capable of neutralizing viruses to avoid their spread.
ISO 21702 standard
ISO 21702 was developed to provide a clear and standardized method for evaluating the virucidal activity of non-porous materials. The purpose behind this standard is basically to determine the effectiveness of a material in reducing the concentration of viruses on its surface under controlled conditions. The standard provides clear guidelines on the test requirements that guide the manufacturer or tester in determining whether the material being tested meets the criteria necessary to be classified as virucidal.
ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing is designed to evaluate non-porous materials used in high-touch surfaces and products for healthcare, consumer goods, or industrial applications. ISO 21702 provides insights into the expected performance of the material in reducing viral particles, thus guaranteeing its possible use in safety-critical environments.
Test methodology : ISO 21702 virucidal efficacy testing
The core of ISO 21702 revolves around a meticulous test procedure that ensures accuracy within the testing and repeatability of results. In a controlled laboratory environment, a series of tests are carried out to measure the virucidal activity of the test material. A more detailed outline of the ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing process is described as follows:
Test setup and required materials
The sample includes the non-porous material being tested and a viral suspension. The virus to be used in the test should be known to attach to surfaces and remain active long enough for the test to be conducted. Most commonly used viruses for this test include human coronaviruses or other relevant viral strains.
Conditions for testing virucidal activity
ISO 21702 mandates specific conditions under which the test is conducted. This includes maintaining the test area at an appropriate temperature, humidity levels, and exposure time. These factors are critical in ensuring that the results are valid and reproducible.
Test controls
The ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing includes 3 controls: cytotoxicity control that assesses any potential harm to host cells in lab environment; an untreated sample control to compare the antiviral activity with the treated sample; and a titration control to ensure that the virus stock concentration is sufficient to determine infectivity and measure the highest viral recovery rate from the sample. These controls provide key benchmarks for accurate and reliable results in virucidal testing.
Step-by-step test procedure
- A known concentration of the virus is applied on the surface of the test material.
- After exposure for a defined period, usually several hours to a day, the surface is rinsed, and the remaining live virus particles are collected.
- The viral concentration is then measured to determine the reduction in the number of active viral particles after exposure to the material.
- The test assesses the material’s ability to reduce the concentration of the virus by measuring the number of viable viral particles before and after exposure to the test material.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The result of the assay is expressed as a log reduction value, indicating the amount of inactivated or killed virus. The greater the log reduction, the greater the virucidal activity. A log reduction of 2 or higher must be obtained in the viral particles, for the material to pass the ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing.
Application of ISO 21702 in industries
ISO 21702 does not have any sector-specific applications since it applies to a large number of industries related to non-porous materials. However, this standard is particularly valuable in the following areas:
Healthcare sector
- ISO 21702 is important in healthcare sectors like hospitals and clinics where surfaces such as bed rails, surgical equipment, and countertops must be sterile and should be capable of reducing viral transmission, ensuring they meet safety standards and do not facilitate viral spread.
Consumer goods and packaging
- With the increasing demands for hygienic packaging and surfaces in products such as electronics, furniture, and household items, ISO 21702 is the key for ensuring that these products are safe to use in everyday life. This becomes particularly important in a post-pandemic world where consumers are more aware of hygiene.
Public transport
- Seats, handrails, and ticket machines are potential vectors for viral transmission and are high-touch surfaces in public transport systems. Testing these surfaces under ISO 21702 ensures that the used materials can effectively reduce viral loads.
Examples of nonporous materials include plastics, stainless steel, and composite materials which are commonly tested using ISO 21702 test as they are used in the production of high-contact products. ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing helps manufacturers develop products that remain durable yet contribute to public health safety.
Benefits of adhering to ISO 21702
Adhering to ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing protocols offers several benefits:
- Enhanced product safety: Manufacturers ensure that their products meet the required efficacy and safety standards by following ISO 21702 guidelines thus contributing to decreasing viral transmission.
- Regulatory compliance: ISO 21702 testing helps meet the regulatory requirements and gain market approvals.
- Building consumer trust: Compliance with ISO 21702 helps build consumer confidence in the products they use by providing scientifically backed proof of their effectiveness.
From healthcare settings to other consumer products, ISO21702 virucidal efficacy testing plays an important role in ensuring that materials are effective in reducing viral threats and, thus, potentially making environments much safer and more hygienic.
By meeting this standard, manufacturers can enhance their product development efforts, ensure safety, and instill consumer confidence in a world that demands better standards of cleanliness and viral protection.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we specialize in ISO 21702 testing to assess the virucidal activity of non-porous materials. Our expert team uses advanced methodologies to ensure your products meet stringent industry standards for effectiveness against viruses, helping you bring safe and reliable solutions to market.
To learn more about our ISO 21702 testing services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our specialists today.
