How Can We Test If Antibacterial Products Are Really Effective?

How to Choose an Antibacterial Product?

What is Antibacteriality?

Antibacteriality refers to the properties of chemical or physical substances that are effective against bacteria. Antibacterial products contain ingredients that inhibit bacterial growth or kill existing bacteria. Soaps, disinfectants, antibacterial surface cleaners and antibacterial wipes fall into this category.

However, not all antibacterial products have the same effect. Various analyzes and tests should be carried out to determine its effectiveness.

Why is the Efficacy of Antibacterial Products Important?

Antibacterial efficacy can be expressed as a product's performance in killing microorganisms. There are various benefits of using antibacterial products.

Protection Against Bacteria: Antibacterial products reduce the risk of infection by preventing the spread of germs.

Prevention of Diseases: Antibacterial products can be preferred to ensure hygiene especially in hospitals, schools and crowded areas.
Consumer Confidence: If an antibacterial product is ineffective, consumers may be unknowingly exposed to germs. Consumers' trust is shaken and brand value decreases.

What are the Differences Between Antibacterial and Antiviral Products?

Antibacterial and antiviral products are often confused, but the difference is that the microorganisms they are effective against are different:

Antibacterial Products: Effective only against bacteria. For example, antibacterial soaps and cleaners contain special ingredients to prevent bacterial growth.
Antiviral Products: Formulated to neutralize viruses. Antiviral products contain chemicals that prevent viruses from sticking to cells and multiplying.
General Disinfectants: Broad spectrum chemicals that are effective against both bacteria and viruses.

Therefore, an antibacterial product does not always protect against viruses. It is especially recommended to use antiviral products to protect against influenza, COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Which factors determine the effectiveness of antibacterial products?

There are several critical factors to consider to assess the effectiveness of antibacterial products:

1. Ingredients and Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in the product are the most important factor determining antibacterial effectiveness. Commonly used antibacterial substances are as follows:

Alcohol (60-70% effective) - used in hand sanitizers.
Triclosan - found in some soaps and cleaning products, but its use is controversial.
Hydrogen peroxide - Effective as antiseptic and disinfectant.
Chlorine-based compounds - Provides a strong disinfectant effect.

An effective antibacterial product should contain at least one of these components.

2. Method and Duration of Use

The antibacterial effect of a product may depend on the conditions of use. For example:

Hand sanitizer: Must be applied all over the hands for at least 20 seconds.
Antibacterial soap: Should be rubbed on the hands for at least 30 seconds.
Disinfectant sprays: After spraying on the surface, it should be left on for a certain period of time.

If not used correctly, an antibacterial product cannot be fully effective.

3. Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

The effectiveness of antibacterial products may decrease depending on storage conditions. The following are points to be aware of:

Alcohol-based disinfectants: Keep the lid tightly closed as they contain volatile components.
Temperature and light: Direct sunlight and excessive heat can degrade the active ingredients.
Expiration date: Products that lose their effectiveness over time cannot provide adequate protection against bacteria.

When choosing an antibacterial product, the active ingredients and duration of effectiveness should be taken into account.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Biocidal Product Analysis. We also provide services in Irritation Tests.

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