Comparison of bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy of antiseptic formulations according to EN 13727 and EN 13624 standards

Abstract

Background/aim: In this study, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the five most commonly used antiseptic formulations were evaluated in terms of different contact times and organic conditions. Materials and methods: Solutions of chlorhexidine digluconate, povidone iodine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and tincture of iodine were prepared and tested according to European standards EN 13727 and EN 13624 with different parameters.Results: The results showed that isopropyl alcohol (70% v/v) and tincture of iodine (2%) had greater bactericidal and fungicidal activity against the four tested bacteria and two fungi in all conditions.Conclusion: When the results of the five different active substances were quantitatively evaluated regarding their bactericidal and fun-gicidal activities, it was found that contact time and organic load significantly affected the antiseptic efficacy.