Study Outline
The disinfectant validation test is to ensure that the cleaning and disinfectant procedure conducted for a controlled room is sufficient to prevent the microbial contamination on objects or surfaces. The USP chapter <1072> provides guidance on a disinfectant regimen in relation to the reduction of viable microorganisms and spores. Environmental isolates are commonly used to validate the disinfectant program used by the sponsor at their site. A validation verifies that the cleaning and disinfectant program used by the sponsor and followed during the validation is effective and appropriate for the surfaces and controlled environment. The risk of a manufacturer not conducting a cleaning and disinfection validation may lead to an FDA 483, warning letter, or the possible release of unsafe product. Nelson Labs has the capability to customize protocols to meet sponsor’s hard-surface disinfectant validation needs.
In the Disinfectant test procedure, representative surfaces that are scaled down for laboratory testing are referred to as “coupons.” The test coupons must allow for sterilization.
The sterile coupons are challenged with 10 – 30 µL of culture or spore suspension. The suspension is spread evenly over a 1-square-inch area and then dried. Upon request the challenge culture may include an organic soil, such as 5% blood serum, to further challenge the disinfection process.
The validation test is intended to validate the actual disinfection process that the sponsor uses in their facility. Nelson Labs is well versed in many application methods and can adjust to suit the sponsor’s testing needs. Examples of disinfectant-application methods include the following: spraying directly; wiping with a sterile towel that has been saturated with disinfectant; using sponsor-provided application tools, such as mops or sponges, that have been saturated with disinfectant. The exposure time during which the disinfectant is in contact with the inoculated coupons can also be adjusted to meet the sponsor’s methods.
Following the disinfection procedure, the treated coupons are aseptically transferred to neutralizing media and extracted to remove any surviving microorganisms. The number of surviving organisms are assayed and enumerated and percent and log reduction values are calculated. The panel of organisms selected for this test may also vary. Best industry practice is to perform the test using environmental isolates. It is recommended that a spectrum of representative organisms be selected for the test, including, but not limited to, the following: Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, mold spores, and Gram-positive spore-forming bacteria. Best industry practice is to perform the test using environmental isolates.
Neutralization validation of the test disinfectants and extraction efficiency testing are included in every test for each organism/disinfectant/coupon combination tested, as well as positive and negative controls. Neutralization testing validates that any antimicrobial agent in the product is adequately neutralized to support acceptable organism recovery.
Resources
If you would like to learn more about disinfectant efficacy as well as the detailed methodology that assists in designing coupon studies, watch our on-demand webinar hosted by Aaron Zahne and Adam Staples.
Testing Locations
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Fairfield, NJ, USA
- Somercotes, England
To learn more about these locations and their certifications, click here.
Contact Us
If you have additional questions about Disinfection Efficacy Studies, or would like to consult with the experts at Nelson Labs, just send us a request or call us at +1 (801) 290-7500.
