VIROLOGY TESTING SERVICES
We specialise in virology testing and viral assays. Our in-house virologists are experienced in an array of viral testing methods and can offer virology testing services 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.
At Virologica, virology testing lab offers 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.
Our virology laboratory utilises advanced laboratory techniques for comprehensive pathogen detection and infection identification. 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.
Ensure your protective materials meet ISO 16604 and ASTM F1671 standards—contact us for certified viral penetration testing.
+ 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 using TCID50 assays.
+ 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.
Validate the virucidal and antimicrobial effectiveness of your disinfectants with certified ASTM E2197 surface testing—contact us today.
+ 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 testing 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 through TCID50 assays.
+ EN 14476 TEST
CHEMICAL DISINFECTANTS AND ANTISEPTICS. QUANTITATIVE SUSPENSION TEST FOR THE EVALUATION OF VIRUCIDAL ACTIVITY OF DISINFECTANTS INTENDED FOR USE IN THE MEDICAL AREA
EN 14476 test 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 using TCID50 assays.
+ 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.
Our virology labs utilise internationally recognised virological techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results. This is not an exhaustive list, if the method you’re looking for isn’t listed, contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Bacteriology Test for Your Product or Industry
At our virology testing lab, we work with a range of viruses that are commonly used in virology testing services to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral treatments, disinfectants, and protective products. The selection of the virus depends on the intended application, regulatory requirements, and biosafety considerations.
Surrogate Viruses in Virology Testing
In many cases, surrogate viruses are used to simulate high-risk pathogens during virology testing. Surrogate viruses offer a safer and more practical way to conduct viral assays in certified virology laboratories. They are carefully selected based on their genetic and morphological similarities to the target virus.
For example, Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) is frequently used as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 in virology testing. Both viruses are from the same family, and HCoV-229E can interact with ACE2 receptors in a similar manner, making it ideal for antiviral surface and disinfectant testing.
Commonly Tested Viruses in Virology Labs:
● Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) — A widely used surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 in disinfectant and antiviral material testing, including EN 14476 test and ISO 18184 testing.
● Murine Norovirus (MNV) — Often used as a surrogate for human Norovirus in suspension and surface disinfection tests such as ASTM E1052 and ASTM E2197.
● Bacteriophage PhiX174 — Frequently utilized in viral penetration testing for protective clothing under ISO 16604 and ASTM F1671 due to its small size and resistance characteristics.
● Influenza A Virus (H1N1) — Commonly tested for evaluating antiviral textiles and surface disinfectants under standards such as ISO 18184 test and ISO 21702.
● Adenovirus — Often used in virology services for disinfection efficacy testing on hard surfaces.
Selecting the Right Virus for Your Virology Testing Services
Choosing the correct virus for testing depends on multiple factors such as:
Intended product use (e.g., textiles, disinfectants, PPE)
Target regulatory standard (EN 14476, ISO 18184 testing, ASTM methods)
Biosafety level of the testing environment
Market-specific compliance needs
Our experienced team at Virologica can assist you in selecting the most appropriate virus for your virology testing project to ensure compliance with all relevant standards and maximize product efficacy.
FAQ
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Virology testing involves evaluating the effectiveness of disinfectants, textiles, and materials against viruses to ensure product safety, antiviral performance, and regulatory compliance.
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Common viruses used include Human Coronavirus 229E, Murine Norovirus, Bacteriophage PhiX174, Influenza A (H1N1), and Adenovirus depending on the required test standards.
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EN 14476 testing assesses the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants in medical settings, ensuring they effectively reduce or eliminate viruses under specified test conditions.
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ISO 18184 testing measures the antiviral properties of treated textile products like fabrics, fibres, and yarns to ensure they reduce viral presence effectively after a defined contact time.
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Human Coronavirus 229E is widely used as a surrogate virus for SARS-CoV-2 in virology labs because it shares genetic and morphological similarities and uses similar infection mechanisms.
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Yes, we offer both standardised and customised virology testing services to meet unique product testing needs, covering various viruses, testing methods, and regulatory requirements.
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We test a wide range of products including textiles, plastics, disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and surface coatings for antiviral and virucidal effectiveness.