BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019

BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019 - Comprehensive Disinfection Standard for Healthcare

BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019 is the essential British Standard for chemical disinfection in healthcare environments. This comprehensive standard outlines the requirements and test methods for evaluating the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors.

Compliance with this standard is crucial for healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and food processing plants to ensure effective cleaning and disinfection practices that prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Key Features and Benefits of BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019

• Specifies test methods for evaluating the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used on non-porous surfaces
• Ensures disinfectants meet the required efficacy levels to effectively kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi
• Provides a standardized approach to testing and evaluating disinfectant products, allowing for reliable comparisons between different formulations
• Supports compliance with infection control protocols and regulations in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food processing environments
• Helps organizations implement robust disinfection procedures to protect staff, patients, and consumers from the risk of infectious diseases

Technical Specifications and Requirements

BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019 outlines the following key technical specifications and requirements for chemical disinfectants:

• Test methods for evaluating the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of disinfectants on non-porous surfaces under clean and dirty conditions
• Minimum required log reductions for bacteria (≥ 4 log) and fungi (≥ 3 log) to demonstrate effective disinfection
• Guidance on sample preparation, test conditions, and data analysis to ensure consistent and reliable results
• Acceptance criteria for passing the bactericidal and fungicidal activity tests
• Recommendations for appropriate contact times, temperatures, and other application parameters

By adhering to the requirements set forth in BS EN 13697:2015+A1:2019, healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and food processors can ensure their disinfection practices meet the highest standards of efficacy and safety, contributing to the prevention of healthcare-associated infections, product contamination, and the spread of infectious diseases.