Sanitizer Microbiology Testing

Your sanitizer products require comprehensive efficacy validation across multiple test organisms and conditions. Our testing capabilities cover all types of sanitizers including food contact, non-food contact, hand sanitizers, laundry sanitizers, and carpet sanitizers. We provide detailed analysis for both water-based and non-water-based formulations, with specialized testing for unique formulations and custom applications to support your product claims and regulatory requirements.

Our expert testing capabilities verify your sanitizer's performance across all critical applications. For food contact products, we validate the stringent 99.999% reduction threshold using AOAC methodologies. Non-food contact sanitizers undergo rigorous 99.9% reduction verification through ASTM protocols. We also perform specialized ASTM evaluations for hand sanitizers with various contact times, ASTM assessments for laundry sanitizers under authentic washing conditions, and EPA method testing for carpet sanitizers with soil-load challenges. Additionally, we offer ex-vivo testing using Vitro-Skin® models for topical sanitizer products. Our comprehensive program can transform your product development cycle, accelerate your regulatory approval timeline, and strengthen your competitive market claims.

Our comprehensive testing program utilizes established AOAC and ASTM methodologies while offering custom protocol development. We provide specialized testing for chlorine availability, germicidal action, surface sanitization, and time-kill assessments. Our methods align precisely with EPA guidance 810.2400 requirements. Each test follows specific, validated procedures including inoculation, drying, treatment, neutralization, and quantification steps to ensure accurate, reproducible results. Each testing solution is tailored to your specific product category and intended use claims, ensuring complete regulatory compliance.

Food Contact Sanitizer Efficacy Testing

• AOAC 955.16: Tests disinfectants by exposing them to bacteria, neutralizing, and comparing survival rates to sodium hypochlorite controls.
• AOAC 960.09: Evaluates disinfectants by exposing them to bacteria for 30 seconds, neutralizing, and measuring surviving bacteria for 99.999% reduction.

Non-Food Contact Sanitizer Efficacy Testing

• ASTM E1153: Inoculates and dries bacteria on glass slides, applies sanitizer, and measures surviving bacteria for 99.9% reduction.

Laundry Sanitizer Testing

• ASTM E2274 & E2406: Inoculates and dries bacteria on fabric swatches, treats them in simulated laundry conditions, and measures bacteria reduction (99.9%).

Hand Sanitizer Efficacy Testing

• ASTM E2315: Inoculates bacteria in sanitizer, measures survival after set time intervals, and calculates bacterial reduction.
• ASTM E2783: Similar to ASTM E2315 but specifically for water-based antimicrobial compounds.

Carpet Sanitizer Testing

• EPA Carpet Sanitizer Methodology: Bacteria dried on carpet is treated with sanitizer, then neutralized and measured for 99.9% reduction.

Other Sanitizer Antimicrobial Efficacy Test Methods

Ex-Vivo Antimicrobial Evaluation of Topical Products — Using a Vitro-Skin® Model — Tests topical products on simulated skin by drying bacteria, applying the product, and measuring survival rate

Element Eagan serves as our premier antimicrobial testing laboratory, supported by our global network of facilities. Our dedicated antimicrobial testing team includes microbiologists with specialized expertise in sanitizer efficacy testing, providing you with both scientific rigor and practical insights that can enhance your product formulation. Each lab maintains strict GLP compliance and features specialized testing areas for different sanitizer categories, ensuring consistent, reliable results worldwide.