[Standardization of the testing of disinfectants in Europe].

Several European countries have adopted the evaluation of the microbicidal properties of disinfectants in two stages: after some preliminary tests, tests under practical conditions or main tests are carried out, as was described originally in the German guidelines for the testing of disinfectants. Nevertheless in the Anglosaxon countries, the use dilution of products intended for surface and floor disinfection is determined by suspension tests, capacity tests, or carrier tests. In some European countries, however, tests under practical conditions are developed for this purpose, but if these Belgian (B), German (D), French (F) and Dutch (NL) techniques are analysed and compared in their composing elements, great differences are found (Tables 1 to 3). Therefore the Belgian and Dutch tests must be the more severe. Another example of discordance is given in the preoperative disinfection of the surgeons' hand. Between 1973 and 1984 23 different testing techniques were described (Table 4). The differences in technique explain the differences in results obtained. In order to achieve a greater unification of the testing techniques, it is desirable to agree firstly on the requirements of disinfectants. Perhaps it is time to discuss it again.