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Disinfectant testing in the USA
1Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Disinfectant efficacy testing methods, particularly for virucides, face scientific scrutiny and require standardization. Current Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods have limitations, leading to consumer confusion regarding product claims.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Regulatory Science
- Chemical Disinfection
Background:
- Federal registration of disinfectants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates efficacy testing using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods.
- Existing AOAC methods include qualitative suspension and carrier tests for various microbial activities, but lack a standardized virucide test.
- Current ASTM and EPA virucide testing protocols are under scientific review, highlighting a need for validated methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations and challenges associated with current disinfectant efficacy testing protocols.
- To evaluate the adequacy of existing AOAC methods for specific disinfectant classes like glutaraldehydes.
- To highlight the need for standardized, quantitative testing methods for improved disinfectant registration and consumer clarity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing AOAC qualitative suspension and carrier tests for bactericidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal, and sporicidal activities.
- Analysis of challenges and collaborative studies concerning the AOAC use-dilution test.
- Examination of deficiencies in the AOAC mycobactericidal carrier test for glutaraldehydes and the introduction of updated and quantitative suspension tests.
Main Results:
- The AOAC lacks a standardized method for virucide efficacy testing.
- The AOAC use-dilution test has faced user challenges, with collaborative studies failing to fully resolve issues.
- Updated AOAC methods and new quantitative suspension tests have been accepted by the EPA for glutaraldehyde registration, but differing label claims persist.
Conclusions:
- Existing disinfectant efficacy testing methods, especially for virucides, require significant improvement and standardization.
- The development and adoption of quantitative suspension tests are crucial for accurate efficacy assessment.
- National and international standardization of disinfectant testing is highly desirable to ensure product consistency and reduce consumer confusion.