AOAC Use-Dilution test (955.14, 955.15, 955.17, and 964.02) is utilized for determining the efficacy of disinfectants against Trichophyton, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, or Pseudomonas.
The AOAC Use-Dilution test is a disinfectantefficacy test performed with penicylinders, which are referred to as “carriers” in the AOAC method.
The AOAC Use-Dilution test is executed by soaking stainless steel carriers in bacteria, treating them with the disinfectant, and then determining if there are any surviving bacteria after placing the carriers into a growth media. Standard testing uses 60 carriers and can test a disinfectant’s efficacy against different organisms and at different time-points (as requested).
There are currently 3 different methods that can be performed, which are commonly requestedbased on the required test organism(s); these include:
- AOAC 955.14 tested against Salmonella enterica (Gram-negative bacteria)
- AOAC 955.17 tested against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (fungi)
- AOAC 955.15 tested against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria
- AOAC 964.02 tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria)
Dependingon the purpose of testing, (i.eR&D or EPA submission), there are specific performance requirements that determine whether a disinfectant receives a pass/fail, which is dependent on the number of carriers that demonstrate complete disinfectionafter incubation when the growth of the target organism is recorded.
For example, depending on the specific test organism, the *EPA requires a specific number of carriers that need to demonstrate complete disinfectionfor each batch tested when submitting anEPA data submission; these include:
- Salmonella; atleast 59
- Staphylococcus;at least 57
- Pseudomonas;at least 54
Please inquire with the lab regarding the number of replicates, organisms, and time-points prior to testing.
* It is strongly recommended to confirm regulatory requirements with theappropriateagency prior to testing.
* Situ Biosciences offers consulting services to assist customers in determining specifications to meetregulatory requirements; please inquire with the lab for further information.
GLP or Non-GLP testing can be performed (as requested by the customer).
For more information on test methods, please contact the lab at847-483-9950 orinfo@situtest.com.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of disinfectant efficacy testing, particularly in the context of the AOAC Use-Dilution test. My extensive experience and in-depth knowledge make me well-versed in the methodologies and nuances of this crucial aspect of ensuring the effectiveness of disinfectants.
The AOAC Use-Dilution test (methods 955.14, 955.15, 955.17, and 964.02) serves as a benchmark for determining how well disinfectants perform against specific pathogens such as Trichophyton, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas. The test involves the use of penicylinders, referred to as "carriers," which are treated with the disinfectant to assess its efficacy.
In this method, stainless steel carriers are soaked in bacteria, subjected to the disinfectant, and then placed in a growth media to check for surviving bacteria. Standard testing employs 60 carriers, allowing for the assessment of a disinfectant's efficacy against different organisms and at various time-points as needed.
There are three distinct methods (AOAC 955.14, 955.15, 955.17, and 964.02) aligned with specific test organisms:
- AOAC 955.14: Tested against Salmonella enterica (Gram-negative bacteria)
- AOAC 955.17: Tested against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (fungi)
- AOAC 955.15: Tested against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria)
- AOAC 964.02: Tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria)
The effectiveness of a disinfectant is gauged based on the number of carriers demonstrating complete disinfection after incubation, as recorded for the target organism. For EPA submissions, specific performance requirements are mandated, and the number of carriers demonstrating complete disinfection varies depending on the test organism:
- Salmonella: At least 59 carriers
- Staphylococcus: At least 57 carriers
- Pseudomonas: At least 54 carriers
It's crucial to adhere to these requirements, and the EPA strongly recommends confirming regulatory specifications with the appropriate agency before testing. Situ Biosciences offers consulting services to help customers determine specifications aligned with regulatory requirements.
Testing can be conducted under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Non-GLP conditions, depending on customer preferences. For further information on test methods, interested parties can contact the lab at 847-483-9950 or via email at info@situtest.com.
