BS EN 17846:2023 - Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics

Standard Number: BS EN 17846:2023

Pages: 46

Released: 2023-11-07

ISBN: 978 0 539 20974 7

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 17846:2023 standard is a comprehensive guideline for evaluating the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics against Clostridioides difficile on non-porous surfaces. This standard employs a quantitative test method with mechanical action using wipes in the medical area, known as the 4-field test. It is a crucial document for ensuring the effectiveness of disinfectants in healthcare settings, where the control of Clostridioides difficile is of paramount importance.

Key Features

• Quantitative Test Method: Provides a detailed methodology for assessing the sporicidal activity of disinfectants.
• Mechanical Action: Utilizes wipes to simulate real-world cleaning scenarios in medical environments.
• 4-Field Test: A robust testing framework that ensures comprehensive evaluation across multiple test fields.
• Phase 2, Step 2: Represents an advanced stage in the testing process, ensuring high reliability and accuracy.

Importance in Medical Settings

Clostridioides difficile is a significant pathogen in healthcare facilities, known for causing severe infections and outbreaks. The BS EN 17846:2023 standard is essential for:

• Ensuring Patient Safety: By validating the effectiveness of disinfectants, this standard helps in preventing the spread of infections.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to this standard ensures that healthcare facilities meet regulatory requirements for infection control.
• Improving Cleaning Protocols: Provides a scientific basis for developing and refining cleaning procedures in medical environments.

Detailed Methodology

The BS EN 17846:2023 standard outlines a rigorous testing procedure that includes:

• Preparation of Test Surfaces: Detailed instructions on how to prepare non-porous surfaces for testing.
• Application of Disinfectants: Guidelines on the application of chemical disinfectants using wipes.
• Mechanical Action: Specifics on the mechanical action required to simulate real-world cleaning.
• Evaluation of Results: Criteria for assessing the sporicidal activity and determining the effectiveness of the disinfectants.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 17846:2023 standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Infection Control Specialists: To ensure the highest standards of hygiene and infection prevention.
• Healthcare Facility Managers: To implement effective cleaning protocols and comply with regulatory standards.
• Disinfectant Manufacturers: To validate the efficacy of their products and meet industry standards.
• Quality Assurance Teams: To conduct thorough evaluations and maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to the BS EN 17846:2023 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Infection Control: Ensures that disinfectants are effective against Clostridioides difficile, reducing the risk of infections.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps healthcare facilities meet national and international standards for hygiene and safety.
• Improved Patient Outcomes: By preventing infections, this standard contributes to better health outcomes for patients.
• Reputation Management: Demonstrates a commitment to high standards of cleanliness and infection control, enhancing the reputation of healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17846:2023 standard is a vital resource for ensuring the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics in medical settings. By providing a detailed methodology for evaluating sporicidal activity against Clostridioides difficile, this standard helps healthcare facilities maintain high standards of hygiene and infection control. Compliance with this standard not only enhances patient safety but also ensures regulatory adherence and improves overall healthcare outcomes.

BS EN 17846:2023

This standard BS EN 17846:2023 Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics. Quantitative test method for the evaluation of sporicidal activity against Clostridioides difficile on non-porous surfaces with mechanical action employing wipes in the medical area (4-field test). Test method and requirements (phase 2, step 2) is classified in these ICS categories:

• 11.080.20 Disinfectants and antiseptics

requirements for sporicidal activity against spores of Clostridioides difficile of chemical disinfectant products that form a homogeneous, physically stable preparation when diluted with hard water - or in the case of ready-to-use products - with water. This document is applicable to products that are used in the medical area for disinfecting non-porous surfaces including surfaces of medical devices by wiping - regardless if they are covered by the 93/42/EEC Directive on Medical Devices or not. Due to the new methods of application of surface disinfectants like pre-impregnated wipes this document was established to cover the different application method. The document is applicable for four method of application of products for wiping and/or mopping: a) soaking any non-specified wipe or mop with product; b) spraying the product on any non-specified wipe and / or mop or a specified wipe or mop. c) impregnation of specified wipes or mops by the user with the product according to the manufacturer’s recommendation; d) pre-impregnation of specified wipes or mops by the manufacturer as ready-to-use wipes or mops. In all types of application the water control has to be done with the standard wipe [5.3.2.17 a)], because it is a process or method control. This document does not apply to products that are sprayed on or flooding surfaces, then left until the contact application phase 2, step 2 standards without mechanical action should be used and their methods performed. The test surface (5.3.2.16) was selected as standard surface and should cover all non-porous surfaces. It was not intended to cover the influence of each different surface. This document is applicable to areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated. Such indications occur in patient care, for example: - in hospitals, in community medical facilities and in dental institutions; - in clinics of schools, of kindergartens and of nursing homes; and may occur in the workplace and in the home. It may also include services such as laundries and kitchens supplying products directly for the patients. NOTE This method corresponds to a phase 2, step 2 test. EN 14885 specifies in detail the relationship of the various tests to one another and to "use recommendations".