Service area
Antimicrobial efficacy testing
Testing of materials, surfaces, products and active substances for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and biofilm-related properties, using established standards or individually tailored test designs to address the specific questions involved.
Which material or product would you like to have tested?
The choice of a suitable test method depends primarily on the material type, product group, questions to be addressed, intended conclusions and target organism.
Plastics & surfaces
Non-porous surfaces, polymers, coatings and functionalised materials.
MaterialsTextiles & textile products
Textile products and fibrous materials with antimicrobial or antiviral treatments.
MaterialsPaints, varnishes & coatings
Testing of resistance to microbial deterioration, mould resistance and preservation.
PreservationPreservation of water-based paints
Investigations into the microbiological stability and preservation of water-based paints.
MaterialsPaper & cellulose-based materials
Material protection, mould resistance and resistance to microbial deterioration.
ScreeningActive substances & antimicrobial agents
Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of individual substances or formulations.
ProductsDisinfectants & antiseptics
Efficacy testing for hygiene-related applications using specified test organisms.
ProductsCleaning products & sanitisers
Efficacy testing of cleaning products and sanitisers to address agreed testing questions.
Specialist testingBiofilm & biofilm-related testing
Investigation of biofilm-related questions, biofilm formation or biofilm reduction.
PreservationPreservative efficacy testing
Preservative efficacy testing for products with a microbiological risk.
What is the main testing objective?
Antibacterial efficacy
Assessment of growth-inhibiting or bactericidal properties against bacteria.
Antiviral efficacy
Assessment of virus reduction by surfaces, materials or products.
Antifungal efficacy
Testing of fungal inhibition, mould resistance or fungistatic properties.
Material resistance to microorganisms
Assessment of whether microorganisms can colonise, alter or degrade materials.
Preservation
Investigation of whether products are adequately protected against microbial growth.
Biofilm
Assessment of efficacy or behaviour in relation to biofilm-forming microorganisms.
How we select a suitable test method
If a specific standard is already required, testing can be designed around it. Where no method has yet been specified, the choice is based on the sample, testing objective, application and intended conclusions.
Assess the sample
The material, product group, surface, matrix and application are considered.
Define the testing objective
Antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral properties, biofilm, preservation or minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Select the method
A suitable standard, modified method or tailored test design.
Frequently asked questions
Which test is suitable for my product?
This depends on the material, its intended application and the conclusions required. A brief technical assessment is often needed before the appropriate method can be confidently selected.
Does testing always have to follow a specific standard?
No. Where a standard is required, it can provide the basis for testing. Adapted or exploratory tests are also possible for specific questions.
What is the difference between efficacy and material resistance to microorganisms?
Efficacy tests investigate whether a product inhibits or reduces microorganisms. Tests of material resistance to microorganisms assess whether microorganisms can colonise, alter or damage the material.
Enquiries about antimicrobial testing
We support you in selecting suitable test methods and planning tailored investigations.
Contact us