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TEST METHOD
Surface Disinfection with Mechanical Action – 4-Field Test (Fungicidal and Mycobactericidal Activity)
VAH Method 14.2 is the VAH standard method used to evaluate the fungicidal and mycobactericidal activity of surface disinfectants with mechanical action through simulated-use carrier test, commonly known as 4-field test.
As we know, there is currently no available EN standard method for surface disinfection with mechanical action for fungicidal and mycobactericidal activity. We developed VAH 14.2 in our lab so you can have your products tested against the full spectrum of activity without any gaps in your claims. Besides that, as a VAH approved lab, TECOLAB is also committed to providing the standards required for all your claims for VAH certification. If you are familiar with the EN 16615, VAH 14.2 is just the same 4-field test. Learn more below!
While we can perform all spectrum of activity according to this test method, our VAH 14.2 method is only accredited for fungicidal and mycobactericidal/tuberculocidal activity. For other activity claims, it is advisable to stick to EN 16615.
The infographic below provides a brief overview of the VAH 14.2 test method.
Understanding VAH 14.2 Testing
Application areas
VAH 14.2 is applicable to the following product categories for evaluating fungicidal and mycobactericidal/tuberculocidal activity:
- Surface disinfectants applied by wiping
- Ready-to-use wipes pre-soaked with surface disinfectant
For bactericidal and/or yeasticidal activity, we recommend EN 16615.
For products that do not require a wiping action, please refer to EN 17387 / EN 13697 (for bactericidal, yeasticidal and fungicidal activity) or VAH 14.1 (for mycobactericidal activity).
Test Protocol
Step 1: The test suspension is inoculated onto test field 1 and allowed to dry.
Step 2: The unitary weight with the test wipe is moved from test field 1 to test field 4, followed by movement back from test field 4 to test field 1.
Step 3: After the selected contact time, sampling on each test field is performed using cotton swabs soaked in neutralizer.
Step 4: After the required mixing time, 1 mL of the neutralized mixture is plated and incubated. Surviving microbial colonies are then enumerated to determine the log reduction and assess microbial spread across the test fields.
The test protocol is performed under the specified conditions according to the product category, intended application, contact time and test conditions.
Test Microorganisms
These are the mandatory test organisms:
- Mycobacterium terrae (for tuberculocidal activity)
- Mycobacterium avium (additionally for mycobactericidal activity)
- Aspergillus brasiliensis (for fungicidal activity)
Wish to add more microorganisms? Click here for our full list of microorganisms.
Contact Time & Concentration
Test concentrations: Three test concentrations are selected according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, including at least one concentration within the active range and one within the non-active range.
Contact times: Two contact times may be selected from 1, 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes, depending on the product claim and the practicality of use, based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Note: Test Run 1 evaluates one carrier at two contact times and three concentrations. Test Run 2 evaluates two carriers using only the claimed concentration and contact time.
Soiling Conditions
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
Need help with your testing requirements?
Have questions about this test method or your product? Our technical team is here to assist you.