New disinfectant standard for wipes

A new disinfectant standard has been issued for pre-saturated wipes. It forms part of the European disinfectant standards.

The standard is EN 16615:2015, titled: “Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative test method for the evaluation of bactericidal and yeasticidal activity on non-porous surfaces with mechanical action employing wipes in the medical area (4- field test) - Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 2).”

The standard was finalised on 1^st May 2015.

The description for the standard reads:

“NEN-EN 16615 specifies a test method and the minimum requirements for bactericidal and yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectant products that form a homogeneous, physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water - or in the case of ready-to-use products - with water. This European Standard applies to products that are used in the medical area for disinfecting non-porous surfaces including surfaces of medical devices by wiping - regardless if they are covered by the 93/42/EEC Directive on Medical Devices or not. This European Standard includes ‘ready-to-use wipes‘ which are impregnated with a microbicidal solution. This European Standard applies to areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated. Such indications occur in patient care, for example: - in hospitals, in community medical facilities and in dental institutions; - in clinics of schools, of kindergartens and of nursing homes; and may occur in the workplace and in the home. It may also include services such as laundries and kitchens supplying products directly for the patients.”

Posted by Tim Sandle