Test method for the evaluation of virucidal efficacy of three common liquid surface disinfectants on a simulated environmental surface.

The Association of Official Analytical Chemists bacterial use-dilution test for evaluating liquid surface disinfectants was modified to determine the efficacy of three common environmental germicide compounds against representatives of four virus groups. Modifications were made to conform to the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on virucidal testing procedures. Alterations included: the use of a concentrated tissue culture preparation of virus instead of a standard bacterial culture; HEp-2 tissue culture cells as a visible test system in place of standard nutrient broth; and controls to measure the virus titer end point and the toxicity of the disinfectant to the cell cultures. Comparison of control end points with results from the test proper were the measure of the effectiveness of the germicides against the viruses. Results are described which agree with those based on other methods previously reported.