Surface Disinfection without Mechanical Action – Simulated-use Test (Mycobactericidal Activity)
VAH Method 14.1 is the VAH standard method used to evaluate the mycobactericidal activity of surface disinfectants without mechanical action through simulated-use carrier test. The infographic below shows a brief insight of VAH 14.1.
As a VAH approved lab, TECOLAB is committed to providing the standards required for all your claims for VAH certification. While we mostly practice using the EN equivalent methods with the required modifications, some tests are not yet available in the European Norm such as surface disinfection without mechanical action for mycobactericidal or tuberculocidal activity. Therefore, we developed VAH 14.1 for mycobactericidal and/or tuberculocidal activity. VAH 14.1 test methodology is equivalent to that of EN 17387 or EN 13697.
While we can perform all spectrum of activity according to this test method, our VAH 14.1 method is only accredited for mycobactericidal or tuberculocidal activity. For other activity claims, it is advisable to stick to EN 17387 for the medical area or EN 13697 for the food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
Step 1: Are you claiming mycobactericidal activity for surface disinfectant used without mechanical action?
This test method is advisable only for mycobactericidal/tuberculocidal activity of surface disinfectants used without mechanical action.
If you are aiming for bactericidal, yeasticidal and/or fungicidal activity, we would suggest EN 17387 or EN 13697.
If your product requires a wiping action, please check out EN 16615 (for bactericidal and yeasticidal activity) or VAH 14.2 (for fungicidal and mycobactericidal/tuberculocidal activity).
Step 2: Select your test microorganisms
- Mycobacterium terrae (for tuberculocidal activity)
- Mycobacterium avium (additionally for mycobactericidal activity)
Step 3: Select an appropriate contact time and concentration for your test product
3 test concentrations is chosen according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, demonstrating at least 1 concentration in the active range and 1 in the non-active range.
2 contact times may be chosen from 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, or 240 minutes depending on the claim and practicality of product use based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
TEST RUN 1 1 carrier | TEST RUN 2 2 carriers |
Step 4: What are the soiling conditions associated with your test product?
Interfering substances, or commonly referred to as soiling, are used to mimic organic substances found on human skin, surfaces, and instruments. These are the available soiling conditions according to the test method:
- Clean condition: 0.3 g/L bovine serum albumin
- Dirty condition: 3.0 g/L bovine serum albumin and 3.0 ml/L sheep erythrocytes