Validation Process Complete to Assist in the Global Fight Against Swine Flu (H1N1)

Eurofins has completed the validation process for the testing of virucidal efficacy of disinfectants and other biocidal products specifically for use in the worldwide fight against the H1N1 virus. First tests have started and a successful test would allow Eurofins’ customers to be able to label the product as having “Efficacy against H1N1”.

The Eurofins Group carried out the development of this test at its GLP*-accredited Biolab site in Milan, Italy. The test applies the current European Standard “EN 14476 - Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics – Virucidal Quantitative Suspension Test.” The relevant test parameters involves three concentrations of the product, with 3 test points for exposure at a temperature of 20 °C and further mandatory controls as outlined in EN 14476 (virus control, cytotoxicity control, formaldehyde control [as a reference substance] and susceptibility control of the cells).

As required by the standard, these are all tested under simulated “dirty conditions“ or “clean conditions”. The virucidal activity of the product test solution is evaluated at each exposure time. A test substance is considered virucidal when it causes a reduction of viral assay of at least 4log10 compared to a control virus. This type of testing has further application for the validation of viral inactivation procedures, specifically for Hepatitis, Polio, Novoviruses and HIV. It can also be adapted to test virucidal activity on either hard surfaces or on skin, which has a direct impact on the development by customers of detergents and handwashes.