Activity testing for automated room disinfection
EN 17272 defines the validation of automated processes for airborne disinfection of surfaces. HygCen tests your products and systems under accreditation and provides QES-signed test reports – practice-oriented, standard-compliant, and ready for regulatory approval and market entry.
Why EN 17272?
The standard defines standardised procedures to prove the activity of automated disinfection processes on non-porous surfaces – including distribution testing and microbiological endpoints (bactericidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal, yeasticidal, virucidal, phage activity).
Applications of EN 17272
Human medicine
Terminal disinfection of patient rooms, operating theatre areas, cleanroomsVeterinary medicine
Animal housing, stables, quarantine areasFood / Industrial / Public sectors
Hard-to-reach surfaces, CIP-related areas, building hygiene
EN 17272 assesses the disinfection of surfaces; separate activity against airborne aerosols is evaluated for example according to VDI 4300-14 and is not covered by EN 17272.
Test set-up at HygCen
For process validation in accordance with EN 17272, HygCen provides test rooms with 4 m³ and 75 m³ – in compliance with the standard for small enclosures up to 4 m³ as well as 30 – 150 m³ (large enclosure). We test all relevant activity claims: bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, virucidal, phage activity – including special requirements (e. g. MRSA, C. difficile, limited virucidal activity, coronaviruses).
Minimum requirements & endpoints
Typical minimum reduction levels
(depending on claim):Bacteria ≥ 5 log
Viruses ≥ 4 log
Other endpoints as per the standard and test design
- Legal certainty:
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (e. g., Biocidal Products Regulation, Medical Device Regulation, EN 14885). - Market acceptance:
Recognition by authorities, professional societies, and customers – prerequisite for listing and distribution in healthcare. - Quality seal:
Proof of activity by independent, accredited laboratories – basis for certifications and building trust. - Competitive advantage:
Positioning as a manufacturer or provider of disinfectants with proven, standard-compliant virucidal activity - Digital test report – QES-signed:
You will receive a digital test report including a professional assessment, secured with a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). This guarantees the legal validity, integrity, and immutability of your documents – recognized across the world. Our scientific director evaluates the results of the test reports.
Why HygCen?
- Accredited testing laboratory (EN ISO/IEC 17025) – with lists available for flexible scope.
- All claims from a single source – including special requirements (MRSA, coronaviruses, limited virucidal activity).
- Practical test rooms (4 m³ / 75 m³) – typical scenarios from cabin to patient room.
- Digital, QES-signed test report – secure, audit-proof, suitable for approval.
EN 17272 defines standardized test methods for evaluating the efficacy of automated airborne surface disinfection processes. It specifies requirements for bactericidal, mycobactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal, yeasticidal, virucidal, and phagocidal activities.
No. EN 17272 refers to surfaces; indoor air is assessed separately.
The standard applies to disinfectants and processes used in healthcare, veterinary, food industry, domestic, and public settings for automated surface disinfection – especially when the agent is distributed as aerosol, vapor, or gas.
Products must demonstrate specific minimum reduction values (e.g., ≥5 log for bacteria, ≥4 log for viruses) on defined test carriers. Testing is performed under practical conditions and includes distribution tests within the room.
Successful EN 17272 testing provides crucial evidence of the efficacy and safety of disinfection processes. It supports product approval, market positioning, and builds trust with users and authorities.
We support you from consultation and sample preparation to execution and evaluation of the tests. You receive a detailed test report that meets all regulatory requirements.
You will receive a digital test report including a professional assessment, secured with a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). This guarantees the legal validity, integrity, and immutability of your documents – recognized across the world.
Related standards & internal links
EN 14885, EN 14476, EN ISO 17664, EN ISO 15883, accreditations & evidence (DAkkS, GLP).