Bactericidal & Fungicidal Efficacy Testing

The term “biocidal” is derived from Latin and means “to kill living organisms.” Biocidal products are products placed on the market in a ready-to-use form that may contain one or more active substances. Through these active substances, they are capable of controlling, repelling, rendering harmless, or destroying harmful organisms by chemical or biological means.

Depending on their intended use, they may be referred to as disinfectants, antiseptics, or antibacterial products.

Bactericidal activity for general-purpose biocidal products (disinfectants) is evaluated using the following five test organisms:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442
• Escherichia coli ATCC 10536
• Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538
• Enterococcus hirae ATCC 10541
• Enterococcus faecium ATCC 6057

Where required for specific applications, additional test microorganisms may also be selected, including:

• Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 13311
• Lactobacillus brevis DSM 6235
• Enterobacter cloacae DSM 6234

Bactericidal activity for hand hygiene biocidal products (disinfectants) intended for hand rubs and hand washes is evaluated using the following four test organisms:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442
• Escherichia coli K12 (NCTC 10538)
• Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538
• Enterococcus hirae ATCC 10541

Antifungal activity is evaluated using the following two test organisms:

• Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404
• Candida albicans ATCC 10231

At our laboratory, qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, based on standards, regulations, and legal requirements published by national and international organizations.