Oona Korhonen

Determination of barrier materials' resistance to permeation by liquid chemicals under continuous contact according to EN 16523-1. The test uses a permeation cell in which the test material separates the challenge chemical from a collecting medium on the inner side. The collecting medium is sampled and analyzed quantitatively over time to generate a permeation curve from which the primary outcome, the normalized breakthrough time (NBT), is derived. Permeation rates (including steady‑state and normalization values) are also reported in µg·cm⁻²·min⁻¹. EN 16523-1 is used in conjunction with product-specific standards that define pre-conditioning, sampling, and performance levels – for example, EN 374-1 for protective gloves. Degradation testing is covered separately by standards such as EN 374-4.

Quantitative suspension test (phase 2, step 1) measuring the bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics for use in medical areas. The method is accepted for efficacy documentation under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 528/2012). The following bacterial strains are used as test organisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli K12 (hygienic handrub and handwashing), Enterococcus faecium (medical instrument disinfection at ≥40°C). Appropriate test conditions depend on the intended use of the product: Application Temperature Contact time Conditions Hygienic handrub 20°C 30–60 seconds Clean Hygienic handwashing 20°C 30–60 seconds Dirty; max. product concentration 50% Surgical handrub 20°C 1–5 minutes Clean Surgical handwashing 20°C 1–5 minutes Dirty Instrument disinfection 20–70°C ≤60 minutes Clean or dirty Surface disinfection (patient-adjacent) 4–30°C ≤5 minutes Clean or dirty Surface disinfection (other surfaces) 4–30°C ≤60 minutes Clean or dirty The product is tested at a minimum of three concentrations, including at least one in the non-active range and one in the active range. Testing is performed by either the dilution-neutralization method or the membrane filtration method. Surviving bacteria are enumerated by viable counts (CFU/mL), and performance is calculated as the log₁₀ reduction relative to untreated controls. The acceptance criterion is a log₁₀ reduction of ≥5 in viable cell count. For hygienic handwashing products, a reduction of ≥3 log₁₀ applies. Ready-to-use products that do not pass at 80% concentration may be tested at 97%. Please indicate the following when submitting a request: intended use, test temperature, test conditions (clean or dirty), contact time, and product concentration(s) to be tested.