This document specifies a test method and the minimum requirements for the microbicidal activity of a specified disinfection process for the treatment of contaminated textile. This procedure is carried out by using a washing machine as specified in 5.3.2.18 and refers to the disinfection step without prewash. This procedure is not limited to certain types of textile. The suppliers' instructions are expected to be sufficient if they content the process parameters identified in the test (e.g. dosing disinfectant in whatever washing phase e.g. main wash, rinsing, disinfecting at 40 °C).
This document applies to areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated. Such indications occur in patient care, for example:
- in hospitals, in community medical facilities, and in dental institutions;
- in clinics of schools, of kindergartens, and of nursing homes;
and could occur in the workplace and in the home.
It could also include services such as laundries and kitchens supplying products directly for the patients.
The method described is intended to determine the activity of a product or product combination under the conditions in which they are used. This is a phase 2, step 2 laboratory test that simulates the conditions of application of the product.
EN 14885 specifies in detail the relationship of the various tests to one another and to “use recommendations”.