ISO 22196 testing to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of antibacterial-treated plastics and non-porous surfaces for healthcare, medical devices and high-hygiene environments.
Where are antibacterial surface technologies used, and why are they important?
Antibacterial products incorporate an antibacterial agent into the formulation or material. This active agent can control the growth of bacteria on the surfaces of products. Antibacterial-treated surfaces, such as plastics or other materials, play an important role in protecting public health across both everyday environments and critical healthcare settings. Antibacterial products have been widely used in plastics, coatings, sealants, ceramics, natural and artificial leather, rubber and more. These are used in a multitude of applications, including medical devices, consumer electronics, personal care items, pet accessories, light switches, door handles and aircraft interior fittings.
High-touch surfaces such as medical equipment, bed rails, workstations, door handles, touchscreens and shared devices can act as critical areas for microorganisms, enabling the transfer of microbes and pathogens and increasing the risk of contamination.
In hospitals and clinical environments, the spread of infection remains a significant challenge, and antimicrobial surface technologies can provide an additional layer of protection alongside established cleaning, disinfection and hand hygiene practices.
What methods are available for antimicrobial effectiveness testing on treated plastics and non-porous surfaces?
Intertek's antimicrobial testing laboratories provide testing to ISO 22196:2011 which describes a method to evaluate antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. We also provide testing to the Japanese Industrial Standard test for Antimicrobial Activity and Efficacy (JIS Z 2801).
How do you measure antibacterial activity on treated plastics and non-porous surfaces using the ISO 22196 test method?
ISO 22196 2011 antibacterial surface testing protocol begins by applying an inoculum of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli to the antimicrobial surface under assessment, then incubating it for 24 hours at 35 ± 1 °C.
Bacteria are first collected from control surfaces immediately after inoculation, and then from both control and test surfaces after 24 hours using a neutralising solution. The recovered bacteria are diluted and placed on nutrient agar for counting.
What is the JIS Z 2801 Standard test method?
The Japanese Industrial Standard test for Antimicrobial Activity and Efficacy JIS Z 2801 is also a recognized approach to the evaluation of the efficacy of an antibacterial product when it is applied to surfaces materials such as plastics and ceramics. It is very similar to the requirements of ISO 22196.
The JIS Z 2801 method is designed to quantitatively test the ability of plastics and other antimicrobial surfaces to inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill them, over a 24-hour period of contact. We can perform the test with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains, as well as other bacterial strains upon request.
Why choose Intertek as your antimicrobial efficacy test partner for antibacterial activity on treated surfaces?
The performance of antibacterial surfaces can vary significantly depending on factors such as material composition, active ingredients, and the intended application environment. This complexity makes rigorous laboratory testing essential. Our expert microbiologists play a critical role in conducting robust performance verification studies to accurately assess antibacterial efficacy. This testing not only supports reliable product claims but also provides confidence that treated surfaces deliver consistent, measurable benefits in real-world conditions.
End-to-End Antimicrobial Testing Services: We apply antimicrobial testing methods to raw materials, formulations, finished products and packaging surfaces. We also offer testing for material resistance to microbial growth (ISO 846).
Centre of Excellence: With over 20+ years of experience, our antimicrobial testing laboratories, focused on medical devices, cosmetics, healthcare and personal care products have provided analytical, biochemical and microbiological expertise to clients worldwide.
Accredited Testing: The laboratory holds ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 (COFRAC) accreditations, assuring the competence, quality and reliability of testing results. We deliver strong analytical insights helping clients reduce risk, optimise formulations, support labelling and claims, and ensure trusted, consumer-safe products.
Need to demonstrate antibacterial surface performance?
Work with our experts to evaluate antibacterial-treated plastics and non-porous surfaces for healthcare, medical device and other critical applications. Contact our team to discuss your testing requirements.
When should antibacterial testing for treated surfaces be performed?
The ISO 22196 antibacterial standard method is appropriate for antimicrobial-releasing coatings and contact-killing-based methods. An antimicrobial effectiveness test in accordance with ISO 22196 supports early-stage material development, such as new plastics or coating formulations, by helping refine formulation, compounding, and processing conditions.
During end-product development, it enables more efficient selection of materials suited to specific applications, such as medical device housings or aerospace components.
Robust testing programmes also support product verification and regulatory submissions. As production evolves, ISO 22196 testing helps manage manufacturing changes - such as supplier or raw material substitutions—and underpins ongoing quality assurance.
