As we all face the global pandemic, we need to be sure about the products we are using as hand sanitizers and disinfectants. Using the perfect products and keeping a check on their quality cannot be compromised. All the products of different companies in which we are using hydroalcoholic gel as sanitizers should require a test of whether we are using the products for the correct purpose or not. It is a lot more critical in the case of Covid-19 prevention.
As we have all been facing the pandemic for two years, it is significant for us to keep ourselves clean, hygienic, safe, and secure. We cannot take handwash all the time, especially when we are stepping out. So, the usage of hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays has increased dramatically.
Do you want your brand products to be tested for the EN 14476 test to check the measurement of antimicrobial activity? Before that, you want to know the complete test process, want to see how an EN 14476 test will perform and what products can be used for the test? Let’s understand briefly:?.
What is EN 14476 Test?
- EN 14476 is a test used to perform an antiviral textile test to measure the viral antimicrobial activity for the sanitizers and disinfectants. The test is used for the quantitative evaluation of virucidal activity.
- The products allowed for the test are considered disinfectants and antiseptic products. These seem steady and homogenous, so they might or might not be diluted before usage.
- As a part of the test, the exact scope for antiviral testing, the intentional category for the product application, is used to determine the exhibition time and test conditions. This can help define the antiviral performance of the product.
For which products can an EN 14476 test be performed?
- This test can be performed on surface disinfectants and other hand sanitizers, textile hygienizers, gels, and automobile hygienizers.
- EN 14476 test can be performed on these products to validate the measurement of antiviral activity.
- Another test can also be performed on these products, the EN 1276 test. This test is performed on these products to validate the measurement of antibacterial activity.
- You can choose the type of test needed to be performed on your products.
- If you choose a product with different antimicrobial applications and if there are no appropriate test methods to check the effectiveness, you need to opt for customization. Choose a customized quality checking test of antiviral or antibacterial activity.
How does an EN 14476 test is performed?
- Initially, the suspension test is being prepared.
- The test virus will be added to an interfering substance in the suspension.
- The interfering substance used in the test depends upon the item chosen for the test.
- The testing item or disinfectant will be further added to the virus suspension for a specific time and at a particular temperature until the solution is exposed.
- After the exposure time has been completed, the sample ones are returned, and the test activity gets balanced.
- This happens when the solution is diluted in a chilled water state.
- Then, serial dilutions come into performance, and the dilutions are verified for viral infectivity.
- Other than fungus or bacteria, the virus seems too small that we can’t even see in a microscope.
- To determine the virus is present or not, we need to observe before and after exposure time in a suspension.
- It is calculated by inoculating the live host cells of the suspension samples.
- These are kept in observation.
- They are checked after one week (7 days) (it also depends upon the type of cell) for constructional changes.
- If the item chosen for the test is not successfully inactivating the test viruses before it is neutralized.
- Then, they’ll damage the live cells for cytopathic effect.
Some control tests have been performed during EN 14476 test. Five control tests run similarly to reduce or eliminate other reasons for the test results. The five control tests are as follows:
1. Virus Control:
It defines the infection for the test virus suspension. To get this test successful, the concentration of the virus should be very high to qualify a reduction of 4-log or decrement of the virus.
2. Cytotoxicity Control:
It allows a change in the structure of the cell, which is caused by disinfectant or the product which has been tested. To get the test successful, the live host cells should not show any actions or damage to a certain level, and it is not possible for reduction to 4-log.
3. Suppression Control:
This helps to check the planning of the neutralizing method in defeating virucidal activity. The activity should be done for the product tested after the completion of exposure time.
4. Interference Control:
It checks the suspicious things regarding the infection. If the condition in the cells has shown positive by the test, it means that the cytotoxicity test has been successful.
5. Reference Control:
This control test has been done using formaldehyde. This test performs as an antimicrobial agent from inactivated and non-resistant to reaching a 4-log reduction.
Conclusion:
Are you looking at how to test your products’ quality and quantitative measurement? Then, why not? You can go with the EN 14476 test to measure the viral antimicrobial activity for all your hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays.
To opt for EN 14476 test, go for Microbe Investigations AG as they can perform the test on several viruses such as Beta Coronavirus (OC-43) (ATCC VR-1558), SARS CoV-2, Influenza A (H1N1) (ATCC VR-1469), Human Coronavirus (229 E) (ATCC VR-740), Murine norovirus, Poliovirus, Adenovirus.
Do not compromise on your health and always ensure that the hygiene products we use are safe and virus-free.
There are many more different test methods like JIS L 1902, ISO 18184 etc.
