EN 16615: Evaluation of Bactericidal and Yeasticidal Activity

What is EN 16615 Standard Scope? In Which Products Is It Used?

EN 16615 Standard

EN 16615 is the European standard for the evaluation of bactericidal (bactericidal) and yeasticidal (fungicidal) efficacy of biocidal products under laboratory conditions. This standard is used in particular to determine the efficacy of professional cleaning and disinfection products. EN 16615 includes a series of test protocols that verify the efficacy of biocidal products on microorganisms.

Scope and Content of EN 16615 Standard

Objective: To measure the lethal activity of the product on microorganisms and to verify bactericidal and yeasticidal activity under appropriate conditions.

Application Areas:

• Disinfectants used in home, workplace and industrial areas.
• Biocidal products used to ensure hygiene in hospitals and health institutions.
• Cleaning products used in food production facilities, water systems and areas of general public health concern.

Methods:

• Surface Testing: The effect of the product on microorganisms on different surfaces is examined.
• Infective Substance Test: The bactericidal and yeasticidal activity of the active substances in the product is tested.
• Time-Idea Test: The effectiveness of the product is evaluated at different exposure times.
• Resistance Tests: Determines the potential for microorganisms to develop resistance to products.

Test Procedures

• Bactericidal Activity Test: The killing effect of the product on bacterial strains determined in accordance with EN 16615 is tested. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus.
• Yeast Killing Activity Test: The effect of the product against yeast species such as Aspergillus brasiliensis is examined.

Evaluation of Results:

4 samples prepared according to the standard are placed in the test medium inoculated with Enterococcus hirae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It is based on determining how much the bacterial load decreases during the 1, 5, 10, 15 minute test process.

The tests determine how the lethal efficacy of products on microorganisms decreases or increases over time. The results are evaluated according to the validity criteria set by the Committee for European Standards (CEN).

Samples tested under the EN 16615 standard are expected to be 99.99% effective against bacteria and yeasts.

In medical facilities, disinfecting wipes are typically applied to reduce microbial contamination on frequently used surfaces. Therefore, the disinfectants with which the wipes are impregnated should have short contact times and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial action. In practice, commercially available disinfection wipes are typically impregnated with alcohol-based solutions and used to disinfect small surfaces.

EN 16615: Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Quantitative test method for the evaluation of bactericidal and yeasticidal activity on non-porous surfaces by mechanical action using wipes in the medical field

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues on chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. We also provide services in Biocidal Product Analysis.

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