SARS-CoV-2 Virucidal Efficacy Testing

Before any label claims declaring the ability to kill specified pathogens can be approved by regulatory agencies, proof of efficacy data must be generated. This regulatory requirement includes label claims against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.

As COVID-19 variants rapidly emerge and circulate globally, proof of efficacy against specified pathogens has become particularly important during the global pandemic. Some of the most prevalent COVID-19 variants include U.K. (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529). In keeping with our mission of making tomorrow safer than today, Element offers efficacy testing using these strains as well as the initial Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 to support label claims. This includes testing to EPA performance criteria used to evaluate the effectiveness of disinfectant products used for the sanitation of public areas to protect the public against COVID-19.

With one of only a few GLP-compliant Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) labs in the country, we have been instrumental in helping our clients combat this public health crisis. Our expanded COVID-19 efficacy testing services and BSL-3 capabilities have ensured Element will continue helping our partners to fight this evolving pandemic, as well as combat future public health threats.

Virucidal efficacy testing for SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent of COVID-19)

Since the start of the pandemic, Element has conducted countless tests to evaluate the effectiveness of medical, industrial, and consumer disinfectants for developers, manufacturers, and marketers of infection control products to support regulated claims against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We offer the following test methods for testing products against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. As new methods continue to be added rapidly for SARS-CoV-2 virus disinfectant testing for label claims, please inquire if the methods detailed below do not meet your needs.

Suspension based testing

Element offers SARS-CoV-2 efficacy testing to established suspension based test methods, including: 

• ASTM E1052 Standard Practice for Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents Against Viruses in Suspension
• BS EN 14476

Hard surface based testing

Our knowledgeable antimicrobial experts test products for SARS-CoV-2 efficacy to support label claims according to established hard surface based testing methods, including: 

• ASTM E1053 Standard Practice for Efficacy of Virucidal Agents Intended for Inanimate Environmental Surfaces
• BS EN 16777

Treated article testing

We offer SARS-CoV-2 efficacy testing of treated articles for label claims and product registration to the following methodology: 

• TM 100/ AATCC 100
• JIS Z 2801/ISO 21702

Residual testing

Element's antimicrobial testing experts carry out residual efficacy testing for claims against SARS-CoV-2 to EPA guidance: 

• Residual Virucidal Activity

Custom or device testing

Our team can work with you to develop custom protocols to meet your testing needs. To explore custom protocols, get in touch with an expert today.

The Element advantage

Leading developers, manufacturers, and marketers of infection control products with support regulated claims against the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to rely on Element’s regulatory-compliant, comprehensive SARS-CoV-2 virucidal efficacy testing to support product registration. Our team of experienced scientists stay up to date with the latest scientific breakthroughs, public health needs, and regulatory guidance, providing industry-leading support to those dedicated to combating the global COVID-19 pandemic and other public health crises.

For more information about Element’s SARS-CoV-2 virucidal efficacy testing or for more information about our BSL-3 lab, contact us today.