As new pathogens are emerging and old ones are re-emerging, standards like EN 1040 for antibacterial disinfectants become crucial as they provide the guidelines to assess the efficacy of disinfectants meant for neutralizing such pathogens.  This article discusses the various aspects of EN 1040 standard including its significance and applications for the control of infectious diseases.

What is EN 1040?

EN 1040 is a European standard describing the basic test method designed to determine the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. 

Key Components of EN 1040

Test Method

The EN 1040 test principle is a suspension test for the basic bactericidal activity of a disinfectant. The method involves the preparation of a bacterial suspension, its exposure to a disinfectant, and incubation under controlled conditions. Viable reduction of bacteria is measured to determine the efficacy of the disinfectant under variables like temperature, contact time, and concentration. EN 1040 for antibacterial disinfectants establishes a consistent framework for evaluating product performance.

Temperature and Contact Time:

• Temperature: Tests are typically conducted at 20°C ± 1°C to ensure consistency across different products.
• Contact Time: The standard contact time is 5 minutes, after which the bactericidal action is evaluated.

Performance Standard

The disinfectant should be able to cause 5 log reduction in viable bacterial count which is equivalent to 99.999% reduction. This stringent criterion ensures that only effective disinfectants can pass the test.

Applicability

EN 1040 is the basic test that applies to all types of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics which are intended to be used in various settings including hospitals, laboratories, industries, and public environments. The results obtained with this basic test can be helpful in development of better formulations having enhanced efficacy.  

Importance in Public Health

EN 1040 plays a crucial role in the containment of infectious diseases by ensuring that disinfectants have effective bactericidal activity. Additionally, the standard describes standardized methods for testing disinfectants and promotes good industry practices, improving the quality and reliability of products and aiding in the development of new, effective products. This emphasizes the role of EN 1040 for antibacterial disinfectants in maintaining public health safety.

Implementing EN 1040 in Your Testing Protocols

Steps for Manufacturers

Selecting a Qualified Laboratory: Choose a lab with experience in conducting EN 1040 testing, relevant accreditations, and a history of performance.

Preparing for Testing: Products should be prepared according to the requirements of EN 1040, using the right bacterial strains and preserving specified conditions.

Reviewing and Analyzing Results: The test result should be analyzed to confirm conformance to the criteria set by EN 1040, especially on the log reduction in bacterial count.

MIS provides extensive testing and validation services for the manufacturer of antimicrobial products. Manufacturers can be ensured that their products comply with standards such as EN 1040 for antibacterial disinfectants. Our fully accredited laboratory and experienced team provide results that are reliable and reproducible for your disinfectants. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information on how our services can help support your product development and enhance your activities in the fight against infectious diseases.