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WHO Cone Test
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Quick understanding of the test
WHO Cone Test
To evaluate the efficacy of residual insecticides or repellents applied on treated surfaces against mosquito vectors.
Applicable to mosquito repellent products like impregnated textiles, sprays, netting materials and more.
Mandatory test strains
- Anopheles
- Aedes
- Culex
- WHO cones are affixed to treated surfaces.
- A known number of female mosquitoes are introduced into the cone for a fixed exposure time.
- Knock-down is observed at 60 minutes (KD60).
- Mosquitoes are then held for 24 hours in controlled conditions for an extended exposure period.
- Following the exposure period, mortality is assessed.
- Suitable for testing multiple product formulations
- Provides reliable results expressed as knock-down and mortality rates.
Turnaround Time
The test typically takes 2-4 weeks.
The efficacy of the repellent product is assessed by evaluating the knockdown effect at 60 minutes and mortality at 24 hours.
- The product must demonstrate 100% mortality after 24 hours to be considered effective.
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Abstract
The WHO Cone Test, developed by the World Health Organization, is performed to determine the effectiveness of materials coated with mosquito repellent agents.
The assay is designed to assess the performance of surface-applied insecticides against various mosquito strains. The WHO Cone test standard offers a standardized methodology that manufacturers, researchers, and public health authorities can rely on to assess the insecticidal potency and residual efficacy of the treated material.
Scope of products
This test is applicable for different types of repellent products, including but not limited to impregnated textiles, sprays, netting materials etc.
Test Conditions and Requirements
- Temperature: The testing environment must remain within 27°C ± 2°C.
- Humidity: Relative humidity should be maintained at 80% ± 20%.
- Light: Tests are conducted under subdued lighting to mimic natural settings and minimize mosquito stress.
WHO Cone Test Methodology
- Cone bioassay is conducted by using standard WHO cones and exposure procedures.
- The cones are securely attached to the treated surfaces.
- A known number of female mosquitoes are introduced into each cone for a 3-minute exposure period using an aspirator.
- After completion of the exposure period, the knock-down rate at 60 minutes (KD60) is assessed.
- Mosquitoes are then transferred to paper cups and kept in the insectary under controlled conditions maintained at 25±2˚C, 80±5% RH with 10% sucrose solution.
- After the exposure period, mortality rates (at 24 hours) are observed to assess any delayed mortality.
Interpretation of Results
- Knock down at 60 minutes: Mosquitoes which can stand upright and fly in a coordinated manner are recorded as alive. Mosquitoes that are moribund and dead are considered knocked down.
- Mortality at 24 hrs: Moribund and dead mosquitoes are recorded as dead at 24 hours.
Note: Moribund mosquitoes are those that fail to stand (missing legs), cannot fly in a coordinated manner or take off briefly but fall immediately. Mosquitoes that are immobile cannot stand or show no sign of life are considered dead.
Importance of WHO Cone Assay
The WHO Cone Test is critically important for evaluating the effectiveness of surface-applied insecticides and repellents, especially in vector control programs. It provides standardized, reproducible data on how well-treated materials such as bednets, textiles, or sprays can knock down and kill mosquitoes. This data helps researchers, manufacturers, and public health authorities assess product efficacy, ensure regulatory compliance, and make informed decisions in combating mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. By simulating real-world exposure conditions, the test plays a vital role in developing and validating products aimed at protecting public health.
Limitations of WHO cone test
1. The WHO Cone Test might not be very reliable while evaluating insecticides with strong excito-repellent properties (like permethrin). This is because mosquitoes that are exposed to these excito-repellent substances may detect the repellent effect and attempt to escape. This results in an increased flight activity within the cone and reduced contact time with the treated article, leading to an underestimation of the product’s actual efficacy.
2. WHO recommends a three-minute exposure time for testing the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets. However, this time period isn’t sufficient for evaluating insecticide-treated clothing, which uses different chemicals and concentrations. These textiles typically require longer exposure times to accurately assess their ability to repel or kill mosquitoes.
Conclusion
At MIS, we have a state-of-the-art entomology lab equipped to test the efficacy of repellents and insecticides designed for agricultural use, public health applications (including vector-borne disease control), industrial purposes, and household protection.
Our facility also conducts a wide range of specialized tests, such as the Arm-in-Cage Test, Room Test, Tunnel Test, Olfactometer Test, Bed Bug Product Testing, and more. We also provide customised testing solutions to suit your product needs.
To get a quote for the WHO Cone Test or want to learn more about our comprehensive range of services, reach out to our experts here.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
The aim of this test is to evaluate the efficacy of residual insecticides against mosquito vectors on treated surfaces.
The test typically requires 24 hours, including a 30-minute exposure period and 24-hour mortality assessment.
It is standardized, cost-effective, reliable, and adaptable for assessing insecticide efficacy.
The key features of the test are: use of standardized cones, specific mosquito strains, and estimation of both knock down and mortality rates.
The Cone Test may underestimate efficacy of excito-repellent insecticides as mosquitoes attempt to escape, reducing contact time. Additionally, the 3-minute exposure time recommended by WHO for bednets may not be suitable for other treated textiles like clothing.
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