prSSH EN 12054:2024

Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics - Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of products for hygienic and surgical handrub and handwash used in human medicine - Test method and requirements (phase 2/step 1)

Scope

This European Standard specifies a test method and requirements for the minimum bactericidal activity of handwash and handrub products for postcontamination treatment of hands or for surgical hand disinfection that are intended to be used with water (handwash) or without water (handrub).
The field of application applies to areas and situations where disinfection of the hands 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, 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.
It is not possible to determine the bactericidal activity of the undiluted handrub product using this European Standard, as some dilution is always produced by adding the inoculum. Reliable testing of products containing 5 % water or less is therefore not possible.