Expert Virology Testing Services in the UK
A specialist virology lab providing antiviral testing to support product development and regulatory submissions.
Expert Viral Assay Development
As a specialist virology lab, we provide a comprehensive range of virology testing services to support product development, regulatory submissions, and research. We are accredited for ISO 18184 antiviral efficacy testing, and we further support clients with additional methods such as EN 14476, ASTM E1052, ASTM E1053, and ASTM E2197.
Virologica conducts suspension tests, carrier tests, antiviral textile testing, and non-porous surface assessments, generating reliable data for disinfectants, materials, textiles, coatings, and medical products. When required, our scientists can adapt existing test methods or develop customised studies tailored to specific project needs.
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Below is a selection of commonly used viruses from our collection. If you require work with a virus not listed, please contact us to discuss availability.
Commonly Used Methods
ISO 21702
Measurement of antiviral activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces
ISO 21702 is used to determine the antiviral activity of non-porous products, such as plastics. This method tests for efficacy against Influenza and Feline calicivirus (a surrogate for norovirus) as standard but can be adapted to include other viruses. 5 x 5 cm samples are inoculated with virus and a coverslip is applied to ensure uniform contact with the active. Anything from plastic to leather to porcelain can be tested with this method, as long as the inoculum is not absorbed by the sample.
Required viruses: Influenza A (enveloped) and Feline calicivirus (non-enveloped, norovirus surrogate). Other viruses available on request.
Sample requirements: 5 x 5 cm control and antiviral specimens (sterile)
Contact time: 24 hours, other contact times can be added
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: Not set by standard, to be agreed on by all interested parties
EN 14476
Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the medical area
EN 14476 evaluates the virucidal activity of chemical disinfection products intended for the medical area, under the conditions in which they are used. There are specified viruses, contact times, test temperatures and interfering substances for hygienic handrubs, hygienic handwashes, instrument disinfection, surface disinfection and textile disinfection. Liquid products are added to a viral suspension and maintained for a specified time before the remaining viable virus is quantified.
Required viruses: Dependent on product type, from adenovirus, murine norovirus, poliovirus and vaccinia virus
Contact time: Dependent on product type
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: ≥ 4 Log reduction
Viral inactivation/Viral Clearance
Assessment of the efficacy of a manufacturing process to remove viruses from products with a biological origin
For any products with a biological origin, it is essential that there is a process for removal of any viruses to prevent health risks. Viral inactivation or viral clearance studies ensure that these processes are fully effective. The steps for removing virus during the manufacturing process are repeated using appropriate model viruses.
Required viruses: Chosen to be relevant for the product and to cover a range of viruses (e.g. enveloped, non-enveloped, RNA, DNA)
Contact time: Representative of processing steps from manufacturing
End point: TCID50
EN 16777
Quantitative non-porous surface test without mechanical action for the evaluation of virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in the medical area
EN 16777 is used to measure the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants intended for disinfecting non-porous surfaces in the medical area without mechanical action, including disinfectants used for the surfaces of medical devices. The standard references adenovirus and murine norovirus, with vaccinia virus as an option for an enveloped virus claim. This standard can be adapted for other viruses on request.
Required viruses: Adenovirus, murine norovirus and vaccinia (enveloped viruses only). Other viruses are available on request
Contact time: according to manufacturer’s instructions, not longer than 5 minutes or 60 minutes, depending on product type.
Test temperature: between 18°C and 25°C
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: ≥ 4 Log reduction
ISO 18184
Determination of antiviral activity of textile products
ISO 18184 is used to determine the antiviral activity of textile products. Suitable for woven and knitted fabrics, fibres, yarns, braids and other fabrics, this method tests for efficacy against Influenza and Feline calicivirus (a surrogate for norovirus) as standard but can be adapted to include other viruses. In 2024 Virologica became the first company in the UK to hold a ISO 17025:2017 accreditation from UKAS for this method, for the two listed viruses.
Required viruses: Influenza A (enveloped) and Feline calicivirus (non-enveloped, Norovirus surrogate). Other viruses available on request.
Sample requirements: 9 control specimens and 6 antiviral specimens (sterile)
Contact time: 2 hours, may be varied but no longer than 24 hours
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: Antiviral efficacy value (Mv) 3.0 > Mv ≥ 2.0 = good effect, Mv ≥ 3.0 = excellent effect
ASTM E1052
Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents Against Viruses in Suspension
ASTM E1052 is a quantitative suspension test used to evaluate the antiviral activity of liquid antimicrobial agents, active ingredients, disinfectants, and formulations. This method measures a product’s ability to inactivate viruses in a controlled suspension under defined conditions. It is suitable for assessing the intrinsic antiviral performance of ingredients, liquid disinfectants, and other fluid-based products.
Test virus suspensions are mixed with the product for a specified contact time. Following neutralisation, surviving virus is quantified using a validated cell culture assay to determine log reduction.
Test viruses: Common choices include adenovirus, influenza A, vaccinia virus, and feline calicivirus. Selection depends on product type and regulatory requirements.
Contact time: Defined by intended use; typically 30 seconds to 10 minutes.
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: Log reduction target set by regulatory or project requirements.
ASTM E1053
Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Virucidal Agents on Non-Porous Surfaces
ASTM E1053 evaluates the antiviral activity of disinfectants and surface-applied products when used on non-porous hard surfaces. The method simulates real-world use by applying a virus inoculum to a non-porous carrier (commonly glass or stainless steel), allowing it to dry, and then exposing it to the test product. After the specified contact time, any remaining virus is recovered and quantified.
This method is commonly used for liquid, aerosol and trigger-sprayed disinfectants .
Test viruses: Typically vaccinia virus, adenovirus, or human coronavirus 229E. Virus selection depends on regulatory needs and product application.
Sample requirements: Non-porous glass, metal, or other approved test surfaces.
Contact time: Defined by product claims; commonly 1–10 minutes.
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: ≥ 3 or ≥ 4 Log reduction depending on regulatory expectations.
ASTM E2197
Quantitative Disk Carrier Test Method for Determining the Virucidal Efficacy of Liquid Chemical Germicides Using Stainless Steel Disks
ASTM E2197 is a robust carrier test designed to assess the virucidal activity of disinfectants and liquid chemical germicides using stainless-steel disks as standardised carriers. Virus is applied to the disk and dried, then exposed to the test product for the designated contact time. After neutralisation, surviving virus is measured to determine log reduction.
Because it uses a consistent stainless-steel surface, this method is widely used in regulatory submissions, product comparisons, and performance validation studies.
Test viruses: Often vaccinia virus, adenovirus, or murine norovirus. Viral selection depends on product type and claim requirements.
Sample requirements: Stainless steel disks prepared to ASTM specifications.
Contact time: As defined by product directions (commonly 1–10 minutes).
End point: TCID50
Efficacy: Log reduction targets determined by regulatory or intended-use requirements.
All of our viruses are sourced from a commercial culture collections and propagated in-house.
We regularly expand our collection, so if there is a virus not listed that you would like us to work with, please contact us at [email protected] or call 01925 909090.
| Virus Name | Envelope | Genetic material | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adenovirus | No | Double-stranded DNA | 90 – 100 nm | |
| Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus | Yes | Single-stranded RNA | 40 – 60 nm | Often used as a surrogate for hepatitis C virus |
| Feline Calicivirus | No | Single-stranded RNA | 35 – 38 nm | Can be used as a surrogate for norovirus |
| Human Coronavirus 229E | Yes | Single-stranded RNA | 80 – 120 nm | |
| Influenza A H1N1 | Yes | Single-stranded RNA | 80 – 120 nm | |
| Vaccinia | Yes | Double-stranded DNA | 250 – 360 nm | Can be used as a surrogate for mpox |
FAQs
What is virology testing?
Virology testing involves evaluating the effectiveness of disinfectants, textiles, and materials against viruses to ensure product safety, antiviral performance, and regulatory compliance.
Which viruses are used in virology testing labs?
Common viruses used include Human Coronavirus 229E, Murine Norovirus, Influenza A (H1N1), and Adenovirus depending on the required test standards.
What is the purpose of EN 14476 testing?
EN 14476 testing assesses the virucidal activity of chemical disinfectants in medical settings, ensuring they effectively reduce or eliminate viruses under specified test conditions.
What is ISO 18184 testing used for?
ISO 18184 testing measures the antiviral properties of treated textile products like fabrics, fibres, and yarns to ensure they reduce viral presence effectively after a defined contact time.
Which virus is a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 testing?
Human Coronavirus 229E is widely used as a surrogate virus for SARS-CoV-2 in virology labs because it shares genetic and morphological similarities and uses similar infection mechanisms.
Do you offer customised virology testing services?
Yes, we offer both standardised and customised virology testing services to meet unique product testing needs, covering various viruses, testing methods, and regulatory requirements.
What types of products can be tested for antiviral activity?
We test a wide range of products including textiles, plastics, disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and surface coatings for antiviral and virucidal effectiveness.
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