VIROLOGY

We specialise in viral assays. Our in-house virologists are experienced in an array of viral testing methods and can offer testing to the latest standards or customised assays if required.

There has been an understandable increase in the requirement for Virology services since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2019. SARS CoV2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, has had an immeasurable impact on global society.

We offer testing with Human coronavirus 229E as a surrogate virus for SARS CoV2. Surrogate viruses are typically used when the virus of interest is either very difficult to culture or can only be used in high containment laboratories. Surrogates are chosen as they are genetically and morphologically similar to the virus they represent. HCoV 229E is genetically and morphologically similar to SARS CoV2, it too originated in bats and can use ACE2 receptors for infection. Other surrogates are available, contact us for more information.

Test methods include:

+ Viral penetration testing

INCLUDING ISO 16604 AND ASTM F1671

These test methods evaluate the resistance of materials used in protective clothing such as gloves, arm shields and aprons to viral penetration. Protective clothing pass/fail determinations are based on detection of viral penetration at a specific hydrostatic pressure. In this procedure, a swatch of test material is loaded into a penetration test cell. A suspension of bacteriophage phiX174 is added to the test cell and pressure is applied to the sample following a time and pressure protocol. The surface of the test material is observed for penetration throughout and further evaluated for viral penetration by rinsing the test surface with sterile assay fluid, which is processed to quantify the number of bacteriophage present.

+ ISO 21702

MEASUREMENT OF ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY ON PLASTICS AND OTHER NON-POROUS SURFACES

ISO 21702 determines the antiviral activity of treated plastics and other non-porous surfaces. In the procedure, a viral suspension is inoculated onto treated and untreated test articles for a specified contact time. Following incubation, the amount of virus surviving on the test article is quantified and the antiviral activity value calculated.

+ ASTM E2197

STANDARD QUANTITATIVE DISK CARRIER TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINING BACTERICIDAL, VIRUCIDAL, FUNGICIDAL, MYCOBACTERICIDAL AND SPORICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF CHEMICALS

ASTM E2197 is a surface disinfection test to evaluate the bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal and sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants on nonporous surfaces. To test for virucidal activity, a test suspension of virus including interfering substance is inoculated on to the centre of a stainless steel disc and is dried under vacuum. Once dry, individual discs are placed in the bottom of a sterile vessel for testing. The test product is applied directly to the centre of the disc and held for a specified contact time. After the contact time the virucidal action is immediately suppressed and the remaining viable virus is quantified. Reduction of virus infectivity is calculated from differences of log virus titre before and after treatment with the test product.

+ ASTM E1053

STANDARD PRACTICE TO ASSESS VIRUCIDAL ACTIVITY OF CHEMICALS INTENDED FOR DISINFECTION OF INANIMATE, NONPOROUS ENVIRONMENTAL SURFACES

ASTM E1053 is a surface disinfection test to evaluate the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants on nonporous surfaces. A test suspension of virus, including an interfering substance if requested, is spread across a nonporous surface, e.g. glass and allowed to dry. Once dry, the test product is applied to the surface and held for a specified contact time. After the contact time the virucidal action is immediately suppressed and the remaining viable virus is quantified. Reduction of virus infectivity is calculated from differences of log virus titre before and after treatment with the test product.

+ ISO 18184

TEXTILES – DETERMINATION OF ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS

ISO 18184 determines the antiviral activity of treated textile products such as woven and knitted fabrics, fibres and yarns. In the procedure, a viral suspension is inoculated onto treated and untreated test articles for a specified contact time. Following incubation, the amount of virus surviving on the test article is quantified and the antiviral activity value calculated.

+ EN 14476

CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS AND ANTISEPTICS. QUANTITATIVE SUSPENSION TEST FOR THE EVALUATION OF VIRUCIDAL ACTIVITY OF DISINFECTANTS INTENDED FOR USE IN THE MEDICAL AREA

EN 14476 is a phase 2 step 1 suspension test to evaluate the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants under the conditions in which they are used. The test product is added to a test suspension of virus in a solution of an interfering substance. The mixture is maintained at a specified temperature for a specified contact time. The virucidal action is immediately suppressed and the remaining viable virus is quantified. Reduction of virus infectivity is calculated from differences of log virus titre before and after treatment with the test product.

+ ASTM E1052

STANDARD PRACTICE TO ASSESS THE ACTIVITY OF MICROBICIDES AGAINST VIRUSES IN SUSPENSION

ASTM E1052 is a suspension test to evaluate the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants. A test suspension of virus, including an interfering substance if requested, is added to a test product and held for a specified contact time. After the contact time the virucidal action is immediately suppressed and the remaining viable virus is quantified. Reduction of virus infectivity is calculated from differences of log virus titre before and after treatment with the test product.

This is not an exhaustive list, if the method you’re looking for isn’t listed, contact us to discuss your specific needs.