An evaluation of the repeatability and reproducibility of a surface test for the activity of disinfectants |
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Authors: | Sally F Bloomfield M Arthur B Van Klingeren W Pullen JT Holah Rebecca Elton |
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Institution: | Chelsea Department of Pharmacy, King's College London, London, UK;National Institute of Public Health, Bilthoven, The Netherlands;Campden Food and Drink Research Association, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, UK |
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Abstract: | A collaborative study was carried out to determine the precision of a disinfectant surface test method which is currently under consideration for development as a harmonized European standard surface test. Results indicate that significant variation in microbicidal effect occurs both within and between test laboratories despite careful standardization of test conditions, but that the variability may be less than that associated with suspension tests. Indications are that much of this variability derives from random variations in the resistance of the test strains from day to day and, most particularly, from test period to test period both within as well as between laboratories. It is concluded that although the test may be sufficiently reliable to be used as a standard method, adequate replication must be specified to distinguish borderline pass from borderline fail concentrations. |
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