The healthcare industry utilises a wide range of biocide technologies for whole room disinfection, such as disinfection robots, fogging machines, electrostatic hand sprayers, and those that involve the use of chemical disinfectants in dispersed gas, vapour and/or aerosols.
At Test Labs we can conduct testing on your specific technology to determine the efficacy of the biocide you use, whether that is Hydrogen Peroxide, Ozone, Peracetic Acid, Hypochlorous acid, or other common agents.
Our testing is based on BS EN 17272:2020+A1:2025, for which you can obtain a UKAS-accredited report or get data to see how your technology performs in real-use scenario on specified reprocessed items.
Test Labs’ chemistry laboratory can also provide testing on your formulations used within the technology with in-house methods for determining concentrations of biocides like Hydrogen Peroxide and monitoring the exposure ppm during cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is whole‑room decontamination systems testing?
Whole‑room decontamination systems testing evaluates the efficacy and safety of automated technologies designed to disinfect enclosed environments. This includes systems such as vapourised hydrogen peroxide, ozone, peracetic acid, and other dispersed chemical or gaseous biocides used to reduce microbial contamination on surfaces and in the air.
Which types of whole‑room decontamination technologies can be tested?
We test a wide range of whole‑room decontamination technologies, including disinfection robots, fogging machines, aerosol and vapour‑based systems, and electrostatic spraying devices. Testing can be tailored to the specific biocide, delivery method, and intended application of the system.
How is disinfection efficacy assessed?
Efficacy is assessed in line with EN 17272 using representative microorganisms to demonstrate bactericidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal, yeasticidal, virucidal, or phagocidal activity, as appropriate. Testing may include cycle development, range‑finding studies, and simulated real‑use scenarios to reflect how the system performs in practice.
Do manufacturers need to conduct a safety assessment for whole‑room decontamination systems?
Yes. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that exposure to chemical agents or generated gases remains within acceptable limits for operators and occupants. Testing can support this requirement by measuring biocide concentrations, distribution, and exposure levels during operation, providing objective data to support safety assessments, risk management, and technical documentation.
Can testing reflect real‑world use conditions?
Yes. Testing can be designed to simulate real‑world environments and use scenarios, including room size, layout, surface types, and placement of test items. This helps demonstrate that the decontamination system performs effectively and safely under conditions representative of its intended use, rather than idealised laboratory settings.