The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) have recently issued new policies surrounding license and efficacy testing requirements for hand sanitizers. All hand sanitizers in production are now required to undergo USP 611 Method II: Alcohol Determination performed by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) before they can be released to market.

Element provides complete hand sanitizer efficacy testing, including the required GC-FID method, to ensure your product will safely and effectively serve its intended purpose.

Alcohol Determination by GC-FID

Our alcohol determination testing by GC-FID per the USP 611 standard verifies the presence of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or 60% ethanol in the liquid or gel to ensure the product will effectively kill transient pathogenic bacteria. GC-FID’s direct analysis of the sample matrix allows our experts to determine your disinfectant’s efficacy without extensive sample preparation. This, in turn, reduces your testing cost and provides more precise results.

Component Determination by GC-MS

Element also offers component determination testing by Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to verify the composition of your hand sanitizer, ensuring purity and safety. This testing will identify any additional compounds that may be present in the product that could be harmful to users when applied to the skin.

Chemical Analysis against USP Monographs

Our Santa Fe Springs laboratory can also provide chemical analysis of ethanol and IPA against the USP monograph specifications to confirm that the raw materials in your product meet the FDA guidelines for use in the manufacturing of hand sanitizers.

COVID-19 Support

Element testing supports claims against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.

We offer expedited service for all hand sanitizer efficacy testing.

For more information about disinfectant efficacy testing or other services related to the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact us today.

Our antimicrobial efficacy testing services extend to pre-saturated towelettes and include the following tests:

  • Antimicrobial properties evaluation
  • Bacteria and mold identification
  • Bacterial endotoxin
  • Bacteriostasis and fungistasis
  • Bioburden/microbial enumeration test
  • Biological indicators (BIs) for sterility
  • Container closure studies
  • Media incubation and growth promotion
  • Microbial bactericidal concentration (MBC)
  • Microbial inhibitory concentration (MIC)
  • Microbial limits/enumeration test
  • Particulate analysis per USP
  • Sterility testing – including rapid sterility
  • Water sampling and testing

Element’s comprehensive virucidal testing services meet submission requirements for regulatory bodies worldwide. Our scientists possess years of virology experience, working with various viruses and methods to provide clients with high-quality results in a timely fashion. 

Our virology testing services include testing high-level disinfectants, liquid chemical sterilants, and sporicides. Additional services include virucidal efficacy testing using the following methods: 

  • ASTM E1053 Test Method for Efficacy of Virucidal Agents Intended for Inanimate Surface
    - Modified for formulation type – Water-soluble liquids/powders, spray products, pre-saturated towelettes
    - This test is necessary for EPA claims submission
  • ASTM E1052 Standard Practice to Assess the Activity of Microbiocides against Viruses in Suspension
  • EN 14476 Quantitative Suspension Test for the Evaluation of Virucidal Activity in the Medical Area

Our team of over 9,000 Engaged Experts in North America, Europe, The Middle East, Australia, Asia and Africa are ready to help you.