Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment within the healthcare settings is important to prevent the spread of infections caused by various pathogens. In this context, it’s important for healthcare professionals to understand the importance of using certified disinfectant products to ensure effective control on the spread of infections among patients, staff, and visitors. Efficacy of the disinfectants are certified as per international standards. Among the available standards, EN 1040 is a standard specifically used to test the bactericidal efficacy of disinfectants. This article explains about EN 1040 test standards and its importance.
About EN 1040
EN 1040 is a quantitative suspension test method used to evaluate the bactericidal activity of disinfectants. This standard is important for manufacturers to assess the bactericidal efficacy of their products to validate their product claims. For healthcare professionals, understanding EN 1040 helps to ensure that the disinfectant products they use to maintain strict hygiene standards in environments like hospitals, clinics, and veterinary settings, are effective and safe.
What is the scope of application of EN 1040?
EN 1040 standard is applied to disinfectant products that are capable of forming a homogeneous, physically stable preparation when diluted with water. Disinfectant products intended for use in various sectors, including food, industrial, domestic, institutional, medical, and veterinary areas are tested using this standard.
Core aspects of EN 1040
Test organisms and conditions
- The standard specifies using specific strains of bacteria, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, under defined conditions to determine a disinfectant’s bactericidal efficacy.
Test procedure
- EN 1040 requires the preparation of test organism suspensions, test product solutions, and adherence to a strict protocol involving the mixing of the disinfectant product at specified concentrations with the bacterial suspension. Following exposure, the mixture is neutralized and plated to determine the number of surviving bacteria. The log reduction in viable bacterial count is calculated thus confirming the product’s bactericidal activity. The results indicate whether the disinfectant can achieve a minimum of a 5-log reduction in bacterial count, meeting the basic requirement for bactericidal activity.
Regulatory compliance
Compliance with EN 1040
- Healthcare professionals should ensure that the disinfectants used comply with EN 1040 and follow strict regulations and standards regarding infection control to meet health and safety. It is also important to provide training on proper usage to maximize the effectiveness of these chemical agents.
Updates and revisions
- EN 1040 standard is periodically reviewed and updated. Healthcare professionals should make sure to follow up on these updates. This activity helps maintain compliance with regulatory bodies and ensures the effectiveness of infection control protocols.
Introduction of EN 1040 in healthcare settings
Training and protocols
- Effective training programs must be provided to all healthcare staff on the correct preparation, use, and right contact time with disinfectants to ensure effective disinfection. This helps in effective implementation of safety protocols and in turn minimizes the risk of hospital-associated infections (HAIs).
Limitations
EN 1040 is a screening test and is used to determine the bactericidal activity. This test cannot validate the products for real-life medical use. Hence, additional tests like EN 13727 should be done under more specific conditions to confirm the efficacy of the product.
Role of antimicrobial testing labs
Antimicrobial testing laboratories play a crucial role in verifying the performance of disinfectant products according to EN 1040 guidelines. They act as a link between manufacturers and regulatory standards and ensure that products meet the criteria established by the standard, helping in building innovation, and safety in product development.
Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS) is a global leader in microbial testing, offering comprehensive testing and validation services that adhere to EN 1040 standards. With a profound knowledge of EN 1040 and a dedication to excellence, MIS provides extensive testing services to validate the effectiveness of disinfectants that claim bactericidal action. Our goal is to deliver high-quality testing services to our clients by utilizing advanced technology, thereby ensuring accurate and reliable results.
To learn more about EN 1040 testing protocols or to request a quote, contact our experts today.
