van Klingeren Bert
National Institute of Health and the Environment, Baarn, the Netherlands.
GMS Krankenhhyg Interdiszip. 2007 Sep 13;2(1):Doc14.
Since 1970 we know in Europe that, by engaging in intensive dialog and constructive cooperation it is possible to achieve a generally acceptable test procedure, despite the many divergent approaches taken by the different countries. When in 1966 I began my career as a microbiologist, different procedures were used in all countries to test the efficacy of disinfectants. The results of such tests did not at all lend themselves to comparison. One of the most important requirements to be addressed to a future, generally acceptable procedure was naturally that the results should be reproducible. To that effect, it was necessary to standardize all aspects of the test since even the slightest discrepancy could give rise to markedly different results. On the other hand, each specified detail had to be scientifically corroborated to prove acceptable to all parties. 1990 marked a major breakthrough towards harmonization of European disinfection test procedures with the founding of the "Chemical Disinfection and Antiseptics" (TC 216) working group within the framework of the "European Committee for Standardization (CEN). This served as a basis for Phase 1 (basic evaluation of the disinfectant effect or suspension tests under different conditions) and Phase 2 tests (tests on different surfaces under practice-oriented conditions). The quantitative principle is now valid for both phases. Major investments were needed to bring about European harmonization. We Dutch, in particular, are well known for having our own opinions. But we, too, continued to engage in discussions and collaborations until we reached a consensus and learned to respect each other and even to become friends in some cases. TODAY, HARMONIZATION ENDEAVORS EXTEND WELL BEYOND EUROPE: with its biocide program, the OECD pesticides working group is working towards the development of a global test procedure for disinfectants. So we have not, by any means, reached the end of the road: there is still much to be accomplished by our successors: I am confident that we shall succeed, because no one - neither the manufacturers nor the authorities - can negate the knowledge base on which the European standards are founded.
自1970年起我们在欧洲就知道，尽管不同国家采取了许多不同的方法，但通过开展深入对话和建设性合作，有可能达成一种普遍可接受的测试程序。1966年我开始从事微生物学家职业时，各国使用不同的程序来测试消毒剂的功效。此类测试结果根本无法进行比较。未来普遍可接受的程序需要满足的最重要要求之一自然是结果应具有可重复性。为此，有必要对测试的各个方面进行标准化，因为即使是最微小的差异也可能导致明显不同的结果。另一方面，每个特定细节都必须得到科学证实，以证明能为各方所接受。1990年标志着欧洲消毒测试程序协调工作取得重大突破，即在“欧洲标准化委员会（CEN）”框架内成立了“化学消毒与防腐剂”（TC 216）工作组。这为第一阶段（消毒剂效果的基本评估或不同条件下的悬液试验）和第二阶段试验（实际条件下不同表面的试验）奠定了基础。定量原则现在对两个阶段都适用。实现欧洲协调需要大量投资。我们荷兰人尤其以有自己的主见而闻名。但我们也继续参与讨论和合作，直到达成共识，学会相互尊重，甚至在某些情况下成为朋友。如今，协调努力远远超出了欧洲范围：经合组织农药工作组通过其杀生物剂计划，正在努力制定全球消毒剂测试程序。所以我们绝没有走到路的尽头：我们的后继者仍有许多工作要做：我相信我们会成功，因为无论是制造商还是当局，都没有人能否认欧洲标准所基于的知识基础。
