In recent years, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been focusing on healthcare environments and their disinfectant challenges, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.
In March 2017, EPA released new guidance for registering claims against the emerging pathogen and multidrug-resistant Candida auris.
Guidance for claims against biofilms of public health importance came the following August. In February, both guidance on laboratory testing of disinfectants with Clostridium difficile claims and the overarching microbial efficacy guidelines were updated.
The resulting changes in the EPA’s testing guidelines include:
• Updated product performance test guidelines
• A more user-friendly approach to format, including some helpful summary tables
• New elements include directions for “wetness” testing of disinfectant towelettes or wipes, a new performance standard for viral claims, new standards for testing products diluted on-site and the addition of new or updated guidance on biofilm and C. difficile
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