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Chapter 4<br />

sodium hypochlorite has also been discussed elsewhere [211].<br />

Nevertheless, the improvement in efficacy <strong>of</strong> sodium hypochlorite at lower<br />

concetrations, as compared with higher concetrations also leads to<br />

uncertainty in the concentration <strong>of</strong> the disinfectant nescessary to elimiate<br />

cells from the bi<strong>of</strong>ilm.<br />

4.1.6. Neutralizing agents<br />

Neutralizing agents are frequently used in order to validate that the<br />

observed log 10 reduction in viable cells occurs within the intended contact<br />

time. Neutralizing agents should quench the antimicrobial properties <strong>of</strong> the<br />

disinfectant compounds once added and also should not contribute to<br />

reducing the number <strong>of</strong> viable cells. ASTM standard E1054-08 provides<br />

guidelines on performing tests to validate the use <strong>of</strong> selected<br />

neutralization agents [212]. The ASTM standards provide guidance on<br />

examining neutralizer effectiveness, toxicity, suitability <strong>of</strong> the test material<br />

and viability <strong>of</strong> the organism through performing suspension tests while<br />

altering each variable individually (disinfectant, neutralizer, saline and<br />

media). The suspension tests should be followed by inoculating and drying<br />

the product onto the test surface and using plate count methods to<br />

determine if any <strong>of</strong> the neutralizing components results in a reduction in<br />

numbers <strong>of</strong> viable cells.<br />

Reichel et al. highlighted the importance <strong>of</strong> storage concentration,<br />

temperature and volume <strong>of</strong> neutralizing agent used. As a result <strong>of</strong><br />

decreased efficacy after storage, fresh disinfectants and neutralizing agents<br />

should be made on each day testing is performed. With the number <strong>of</strong><br />

disinfectant compounds continually increasing, selection <strong>of</strong> specific<br />

neutralizing agents should reflect the active agents within the disinfectant<br />

under examination. CEN standards EN13697:2001[133] and EN1040:2006<br />

[131] list sodium thiosulfate as an appropriate neutralizing agent.<br />

Page<br />

126

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