{"id":8650,"date":"2025-07-25T04:07:21","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T04:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/asia-en\/latest-news\/\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T13:34:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:34:46","slug":"understanding-sporicidal-claims-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tristel.com\/asia-en\/latest-news\/understanding-sporicidal-claims-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Sporicidal Claims: What You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

In healthcare, the ability of a disinfectant to eliminate spores, especially Clostridioides difficile<\/em>, is critical. Bacterial endospores are among the most resilient forms of microbial life, and their persistence in the hospital environment presents a serious infection risk1,2<\/sup>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One way to reduce this risk is by implementing an effective decontamination procedure utilising a sporicidal disinfectant<\/a>3<\/sup>. But how do you know if a disinfectant is truly sporicidal?<\/p>\n

How are sporicidal claims governed in Europe?<\/h2>\n

The EN 14885<\/strong> provides a framework, outlining the mandatory test standards required to support specific antimicrobial claims, including sporicidal claims. According to the EN 14885, for a product to be classed as sporicidal, the following test must be demonstrated4<\/sup>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • EN 17126<\/strong>: The quantitative suspension test that proves the disinfectant contains sporicidal properties. This test is the foundation of any sporicidal claim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    As of May 2025 a new practical test became mandatory for a wiping product, and this includes:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • EN 17846<\/strong>: The quantitative surface test using wipes, demonstrates that the disinfectant, when applied under more practical conditions, via a wipe, retains sporicidal performance on a surface.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Both EN 17126 and EN 17846 tests are required<\/strong> to credibly and compliantly support a wiping product that claims sporicidal activity4,5<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

      Not all chemistries can be sporicidal<\/h2>\n

      It is accepted and evidenced in healthcare that oxidising substances are capable of being sporicidal, however this is not the case for other types of disinfectants6<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

      Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in healthcare for their bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal properties, particularly against enveloped viruses. However, they are not capable of inactivating spores<\/strong>7<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):<\/p>\n

      \u201cThey are not sporicidal and generally not tuberculocidal or virucidal against hydrophilic (nonenveloped) viruses.<\/em>8<\/sup>\u201d \u2014 Chemical Disinfectants | Infection Control | CDC<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      The reason lies in their mode of action: QACs disrupt microbial membranes. However, spores lack active membranes and are encased in a highly resistant spore coat, making them inherently impervious to QACs\u2019 primary mode of action9<\/sup>. While some studies suggest sporostatic<\/strong> effects (inhibiting germination), this is not the same as sporicidal<\/strong> activity – the ability to eliminate the spore itself7<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

      What does this mean for you?<\/h2>\n

      Claims of sporicidal efficacy based solely on EN 17846, without evidence from EN 17126, are incomplete and potentially misleading<\/strong>. A surface test alone is not sufficient to indicate true sporicidal activity4<\/sup>, and variable conditions can affect the products effectiveness10<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

      This is about more than just passing a test, it\u2019s about ensuring patient safety through the correct application of science and regulation. Disinfectant performance must be grounded in evidence, not marketing spin.<\/p>\n

      Our high-level disinfectant solutions for medical devices:<\/strong><\/p>\n