EN 1276 Test

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EN 1276 Testing Services

Learn about the EN 1276 test and our ISO accredited testing services.

What is EN 1276 testing?

The EN 1276 test is a disinfectant or sanitiser test to establish efficacy of a particular product. We offer EN 1276 testing services to businesses looking to test their products to verify efficacy and support marketing claims. Read on to learn more.

Why test according to EN 1276?

Testing according to EN 1276 ensures that disinfectants meet EU standards for bacterial reduction. It provides confidence in product performance and compliance with marketing claims such as the ‘kills 99.99% claim’.

Supporting ‘kills 99.99% bacteria’ claim

If a manufacturer wants to make a marketing claim like ‘kill’s 99.99% bacteria’ then they need to back up that claim. The EN 1276 test supports this claim.

Our EN 1276 Test Services

Choose our EN 1276 testing service to ensure your disinfectants meet the highest standards of effectiveness. We are committed to excellent customer service and to delivering results promptly. Businesses large and small rely on us for their disinfectant testing requirements.

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About the EN 1276 Test

The test involves broadly the following steps:

  1. Preparation of Bacterial Strains: First, select bacterial strains are grown under controlled conditions to achieve a specific concentration.
  2. Disinfectant Dilution: The disinfectant is then diluted according to manufacturer instructions or test requirements.
  3. Inoculation: A known volume of the disinfectant solution is mixed with a specific amount of the bacterial suspension.
  4. Exposure Time: The mixture is exposed for a predetermined time, often at 20°C, to mimic practical conditions.
  5. Neutralization: After exposure, the mixture is neutralized to stop the disinfectant action.
  6. Culturing and Counting: The neutralised mixture is then cultured on an appropriate medium. After incubation, colonies are counted.
  7. Log Reduction Calculation: The difference in bacterial counts before and after exposure to the disinfectant is calculated, typically aiming for a log reduction of at least 5 (99.999% reduction).

ISO 17025 testing lab

We only use ISO 17025 accredited labs for antibacterial testing. That means you can be confident your test results are reliable.

Related Services

  • EN 1500
  • EN 14476
  • EN 13727
  • EN 13624
  • EN 1650
  • EN 12791

What is EN 1276?

EN 1276 is a European Standard quantitative suspension test that evaluates the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas. It assesses the efficacy of a product against bacteria under specific conditions.

Who needs EN 1276 testing?

Manufacturers and suppliers of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics intended for use in food processing, industrial settings, domestic environments, and institutional areas need EN 1276 testing. This standard is crucial for products that aim to control and fight against pathogenic microorganisms.

What does the EN 1276 test involve?

The EN 1276 test involves adding a sample of the disinfectant product to a suspension of bacteria and an interfering substance, then incubating this mixture under specified conditions. After the contact time, the mixture is neutralized, and the surviving bacteria are counted to calculate the reduction in viability. A product passes the test if it achieves a 5-log reduction, meaning it kills 99.999% of the bacteria.

How long does EN 1276 testing take?

The EN 1276 test method typically requires 4-5 days to complete but you should give the lab approximately 10 working days for a report. This timeframe allows for the preparation of the test, the actual testing period, the analysis of the results and publishing of the report.

Can EN 1276 testing support marketing claims?

Yes, successfully passing the EN 1276 test allows manufacturers to support marketing claims regarding the bactericidal efficacy of their products. It provides independent verification of the product’s ability to kill bacteria, which can be a significant selling point.

Is EN 1276 testing applicable to all disinfectants?

EN 1276 testing is applicable to chemical disinfectant and antiseptic products that form a homogeneous, physically stable preparation when diluted with water. It excludes products used in medical areas or on living tissues, except for hand hygiene products in the specified areas.

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