Topic overview

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This topic introduces major approaches to evaluating disinfectant efficacy, from the Rideal–Walker phenol coefficient and Chick–Martin test to capacity, in-use, and carrier-based methods. It outlines how European CEN/EN standards organize testing and summarizes bactericidal and fungicidal reduction criteria. Testing depends on controlled conditions—including temperature, pH, water hardness, organic matter, contact time, and inoculum size—and validated neutralizers are used to stop residual disinfectant action during recovery. Suspension tests assess intrinsic potency, whereas carrier tests better represent surface use. Claims such as sporicidal or virucidal require separate, protocol-specific evidence.