“If a product is to be used as a final stage disinfectant, without rinsing, then a longer contact time is acceptable.”
Putting surface hygiene to the test
Here we learn from Evans Vanodine about the importance of effective test standards and contact times in your surface disinfection and infection control routine.
The emergence, spread and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) re-emphasises the importance of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using products and processes that have been proven to be effective in controlling the risk to health. In the case of COVID-19, efficacy against enveloped viruses (including Coronavirus) must be assured.
The recognised surrogate for use in efficacy studies for Coronaviruses is vaccinia virus. The most readily available and widely recognised methods by which effectiveness against vaccinia virus may be demonstrated is specified in EN 14476 and EN 16777.
EN 14476 – a suspension text more commonly used and widely promoted during the pandemic. The test product (disinfectant) is added directly to the test microorganism (virus), along with soiling agents (dirt), in a liquid suspension, held in a vessel at the test temperature for the recommended contact time then neutralised (stopped working) before sampling. Whilst the test product has better contact with the microorganisms in a suspended state, it’s not representative of the actual environment where products are used.
EN 16777 – a surface test where the microorganism is mixed with a soiling agent and applied directly to a non- porous surface (metal). As part of the test method, once dried, the test product is then applied to the surface and left for the recommended contact time. The metal simulates commonly used surfaces found in everyday surroundings and offers a better representation of the practical conditions for a disinfectant.
As a minimum, both tests need to be performed with the virus to support claims for hard surface disinfectants. It’s these test protocols that Evans Vanodine has used for several of its products, performed by independent laboratories in the UK. EC4 Sanitiser, EC9 Washroom, Est- eem/Est-eem RTU and Protect/ Protect RTU have been independently tested and pass EN 16777 and EN 14476 with a 4-log reduction (99.99%).
62 | HEALTHCARE HYGIENE
The test results are the basis of recommendations and guidelines on product labels, information sheets and microbiological profiles. To verify any label claims, consumers should request test information and support data, and companies or manufacturers should make this available. The product dilutions and contact times are dictated from the test results of each efficacy test and using alternatives, from those stated on the label, will not guarantee effectiveness.
The recommended contact time must be realistic and appropriate to the use. For example, a 30 second contact time is realistic and appropriate for an alcoholic hand- rub, but five minutes is not, as the product would have evaporated in this time. Whereas, if a product is to be used as a final stage disinfectant, without rinsing, then a longer contact time is acceptable, for example: food processing disinfectants sprayed onto surfaces and left overnight or until the next shift.
A shorter contact time does not necessarily mean one product is better than another. A compromise must be reached between safety and the claims made for a product. Increasing the contact time may mean a lower concentration is effective and is therefore safer to use. Decreasing the contact time may mean a higher concentration is required which could have consequences for the health and safety of the user. There may also be other aspects to consider, like damage to surfaces or potentially higher levels of residues left on surfaces.
During product development, Evans works to achieve the right balance between product performance and safety, ensuring customers get the best and safest products available on the market. By using a disinfectant that passes both EN 16777 and EN 14476, you can have extra confidence in your surface disinfection and infection control routine and ensure you’re safeguarding your customers, your team, and your business.
www.evansvanodine.co.uk/coronavirus-support-hub twitter.com/TomoCleaning
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
