Education & Resources

Glossary of professional terms in hygiene and disinfection

Find out what the essential terms in the field of professional hygiene, disinfectants, European standards, and microbiology mean. The Klintensiv glossary is a useful tool for specialists, clinics, institutions, and professionals in regulated fields.

A

Abiotic conditions
Test or use conditions that do not involve living organisms, such as temperature, pH, water hardness, organic load or contact time. These conditions can influence the activity of a disinfectant.
Source: EN 14885:2022; microbiology literature
Acaricide
Agent or product with demonstrated acaricidal activity against mites, under the conditions of the relevant test method; usually falls under PT18.
Source: BPR, Annex V; EN 14885:2022
Active substance
Under the BPR, a substance or microorganism that has an action on or against harmful organisms.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(c)
Alcohol
Class of organic compounds that includes substances used as active ingredients in some biocidal products. The spectrum and speed of action depend on the alcohol used, its concentration, the formulation, the microorganism and the contact conditions.
Source: BPR; CDC; specialist literature
Algaecide
Product intended to control algae. Under the BPR, its use may fall under PT2, depending on the product's intended purpose.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
Antimicrobial
Agent or substance that acts on microorganisms by inhibiting growth, inactivating or destroying them, depending on the agent and the use.
Source: CDC
Antimicrobial activity
The effect of an agent on microorganisms, including inhibition of growth or their inactivation/destruction. For an efficacy claim, the specific microbiological term supported by the relevant test method is used.
Source: CDC; EN 14885:2022
Antisepsis
The use of an antimicrobial agent on living tissue, especially skin, to reduce microorganisms.
Source: CDC; WHO
Antiseptic
Antimicrobial agent intended for application to living tissue, especially skin. Not to be confused with a disinfectant intended for inanimate surfaces or objects.
Source: CDC; WHO
Approval holder
Legal person responsible within the national approval procedure, according to the applicable act and documentation.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010
Area of use
The context, environment, surface, material, type of user or application for which the product is intended and for which the directions for use are supported.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010; BPR
Arthropod
Category of invertebrates that includes insects, arachnids (including mites) and crustaceans; the typical target organisms for PT18 products.
Source: BPR, Annex V; entomology
Asepsis measures
Term used for the set of measures aimed at preventing microbial contamination of a field, material, device or environment. It is not synonymous with sterilisation.
Source: Infection control literature
Attractant
Substance or product intended to attract a harmful organism, often used together with a trap or other control device; falls under PT19.
Source: BPR, Annex V
Authorisation
Under the BPR, a national authorisation, a Union authorisation or an authorisation in accordance with Article 26 of the Regulation.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(o)
Authorisation holder
The person established within the Union who is responsible for placing a biocidal product on the market in a particular Member State or in the Union and who is specified in the authorisation.
Source: BPR, Art. 3

B

Bacterial endospore
Resistant structure produced by certain bacteria, with greater resistance than vegetative forms to adverse conditions and to many disinfecting agents.
Source: CDC; microbiology
Bacterial spores
Endospores produced by certain bacteria. They are generally more resistant to disinfectants than vegetative forms.
Source: CDC
Bactericidal
Showing demonstrated bactericidal activity under the conditions of the relevant test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Bactericidal activity
Activity that reduces viable bacteria under the conditions defined by the relevant test method. It does not mean that the product acts on all bacteria under all conditions.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Bacteriostatic
Inhibiting the growth or multiplication of bacteria, without the term in itself implying their destruction.
Source: Microbiology; CDC
Bacterium
Prokaryotic cellular microorganism. Bacteria can exist in vegetative forms and, in certain genera, can form endospores.
Source: BPR; microbiology
Bioburden / microbial load
The number and type of viable microorganisms present on a device, material or product before a decontamination, disinfection or sterilisation process.
Source: WHO; sterilisation literature
Biocidal product approval (aviz)
The administrative act used in the Romanian national procedure for approving certain biocidal products. For products subject to the relevant national procedure, the Romanian term „aviz” should be kept distinct from „authorisation” when the applicable act is an approval.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010
Biocidal product family
A group of biocidal products with similar uses, the same active substances, similar compositions with specified variations and similar levels of risk and efficacy.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(s)
Biocide, biocidal product
Any substance or mixture, in the form in which it is supplied to the user, consisting of, containing or generating one or more active substances, intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by any means other than mere physical or mechanical action. A treated article with a primary biocidal function is considered a biocidal product.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(a)
Biodegradability
The ability of a substance or mixture to degrade through biological processes, under the conditions of the relevant test method. It should not automatically be equated with the absence of any environmental impact.
Source: REACH/CLP; environmental assessment
Biofilm
Organised microbial structure formed when microorganisms attach to a surface and produce an extracellular matrix. Biofilm can increase tolerance to antimicrobial agents and make cleaning more difficult.
Source: Microbiology literature
Biological indicator
Test system containing viable microorganisms with a defined resistance, used to monitor a sterilisation process.
Source: WHO; CDC

C

Carrier / test carrier
Standardised support on which microorganisms are deposited for certain antimicrobial activity test methods.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated test standards
Carrier test
Method in which microorganisms are deposited on a carrier and exposed to the product under defined conditions, to simulate use closer to the relevant application.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
CFU / colony-forming unit
Unit used to estimate the viable microorganisms capable of forming colonies under the culture conditions used.
Source: Microbiology
Chemical decontamination
Decontamination achieved by using one or more chemical agents under the conditions of the applicable method.
Source: WHO; CDC
Chemical indicator
System that shows, through an observable change, that one or more predefined process variables have been reached.
Source: WHO; CDC
Chemical sterilant
Chemical agent able, under specified conditions and with adequate exposure time, to achieve sterilisation. Not every disinfectant is a sterilant.
Source: CDC
Clean conditions
Test conditions with a low organic load, as defined by the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
Cleaning
The removal, usually manual or mechanical, using water and detergent or a suitable enzymatic product, of visible soil, blood, proteins, microorganisms and other residues from surfaces, instruments, devices, joints and lumens, so that the items can be handled safely and/or undergo further processing.
Source: CDC
Clostridioides difficile
Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacterium relevant to infection control and to certain assessments of sporicidal activity.
Source: CDC; microbiology
CLP
The EU Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Among other things, it governs hazard classification and hazard communication elements.
Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, as amended
Concentration
The amount of a substance relative to a given volume, mass or quantity of mixture. For a disinfectant, concentration must be interpreted together with contact time and conditions of use.
Source: Chemistry; EN 14885:2022
Contact time
The period during which the disinfectant must remain in direct contact with the treated surface or object to achieve the claimed effect under the specified conditions. For some surface disinfection methods, the period runs from application until the surface is completely dry.
Source: CDC; EN 14885:2022
Contamination
The state in which an object, material or surface has had actual or potential contact with microorganisms. Contamination is not synonymous with infection.
Source: CDC
Critical items (Spaulding)
In the Spaulding classification, the category of devices that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system and require sterilisation.
Source: WHO; CDC
Cross-contamination
The transfer of microorganisms or other contaminants from one surface, person, instrument, material or product to another surface, person, instrument, material or product.
Source: CDC; infection control

D

Decontamination
The process of removing soil and pathogenic microorganisms from objects, including medical devices, so that they can be handled safely and, where appropriate, further processed, used or disposed of.
Source: WHO
DEET
Widely used repellent active substance (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), used in PT19 products to repel insects.
Source: ECHA; CDC
Dilution
Reducing the concentration of a solution by adding a diluent, usually water. The dilution ratio must be followed exactly according to the product instructions.
Source: Chemistry; product documentation
Directions for use
Instructions that set out how the product is to be used correctly, including the area of application, concentration, contact time, application method and relevant precautions.
Source: BPR; product documentation
Dirty conditions
Test conditions with a higher organic load, defined by the relevant method to simulate more demanding use.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
Disinfectant
Agent used to disinfect inanimate objects and surfaces. Under the BPR, disinfectant products are classified into the relevant product types according to their intended use.
Source: CDC; BPR Annex V
Disinfection
Process aimed at reducing or inactivating viable microorganisms to a level appropriate to the purpose of use and the method applied. Unlike sterilisation, disinfection does not necessarily involve the elimination of all microbial forms.
Source: CDC; WHO

E

Efficacy
The demonstrated ability of a product to produce the claimed effect under the conditions defined by the test method and the conditions of use.
Source: BPR; EN 14885:2022
Embalming and taxidermist fluid
Biocidal product used to disinfect and preserve human or animal corpses, or parts of them; corresponds to PT22.
Source: BPR, Annex V
EN 14885:2022
European standard that sets out how European standards are used to support claims of microbicidal activity for antiseptics and disinfectants, and the framework for selecting the relevant methods.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Endoscope
Medical device used for visual examination of internal structures. Endoscope reprocessing involves specific cleaning and disinfection steps and must follow the manufacturer's instructions and validated procedures.
Source: WHO; CDC
Enveloped virus
Virus whose outer capsid/envelope includes a lipid membrane derived from the host cell. In general, many enveloped viruses are more susceptible to certain disinfecting agents than non-enveloped viruses.
Source: CDC; virology
Existing active substance
A substance that was on the market on 14 May 2000 as an active substance of a biocidal product for purposes other than scientific or product- and process-orientated research and development.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(d)

F

Fungicidal activity
Demonstrated activity against the relevant fungal microorganisms, under the conditions of the applicable test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Fungicide
Product or agent with demonstrated fungicidal activity under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Fungistatic
Inhibiting the growth of fungi, without the term necessarily implying their destruction.
Source: Microbiology

G

General public
User category defined by Order no. 10/368/11/2010 for persons who use biocidal products privately, following the instructions for use.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010
Germicide
Agent that destroys microorganisms, especially pathogenic ones. The term is generic; for technical claims the specific term is preferable: bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, sporicidal, etc.
Source: CDC
Gram-negative
Bacterial classification based on the structural features of the cell envelope and the reaction to Gram staining.
Source: Microbiology
Gram-positive
Bacterial classification based on the structural features of the cell wall and the reaction to Gram staining.
Source: Microbiology

H

H2O2 / hydrogen peroxide
Oxidising agent used as an active substance in certain biocidal products and in decontamination, disinfection or sterilisation processes.
Source: BPR; CDC
HAI / healthcare-associated infection
Infection associated with medical care, which may occur in the context of healthcare delivery. Preventing it involves hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation and infection control measures.
Source: WHO; CDC
Hand hygiene
The set of measures for cleaning and/or disinfecting hands to reduce the transmission of microorganisms.
Source: WHO; CDC
Harmful organism
Under the BPR, an organism whose presence is undesirable or which has a detrimental effect on humans, their activities or the products they use or produce, or on animals or the environment.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(g)
Hazard profile
The set of hazard properties and classifications relevant to a substance or mixture, assessed according to the applicable legislation.
Source: CLP; BPR
Healthcare waste
Waste resulting from medical and healthcare activities, managed in accordance with the applicable waste legislation. Under the BPR, certain products intended for disinfecting hospital waste may fall under PT2.
Source: BPR, Annex V; national waste legislation
High-level disinfectant
Agent or process able to inactivate vegetative bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi and viruses, but not necessarily high numbers of bacterial spores.
Source: CDC
High-level disinfection
Disinfection process that inactivates vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, fungi and viruses, but not necessarily high numbers of bacterial spores.
Source: CDC; WHO
Human hygiene – PT1
Product type in main group 1: disinfectants. Includes biocidal products for human hygiene, applied on or in contact with human skin or scalps, for the primary purpose of disinfecting the skin or scalp.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
Hydrogen peroxide
See H2O2 / hydrogen peroxide.
Source: BPR; CDC

I

Icaridin
Repellent active substance (also known as picaridin), used as an alternative to DEET in PT19 products.
Source: ECHA; CDC
Immersion
Application method in which the item is placed in a solution so that the relevant surfaces are in contact with the product. Material compatibility and the manufacturer's instructions must be observed.
Source: WHO; CDC
In-use concentration
The concentration at which the product is actually used for the intended application, according to the label and the product documentation.
Source: Product documentation; BPR
Inactivation
Loss of a microorganism's ability to cause infection, replicate or exert the relevant biological effect.
Source: Microbiology
Industrial user
Under Order no. 10/368/11/2010, a person involved in manufacturing, handling and/or packaging products in industrial premises or who uses biocidal products in industrial processes.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010, Art. 2
Inoculum
Quantity of microorganisms introduced into a medium or onto a carrier to produce a culture or carry out a test method.
Source: Microbiology
Insecticide
Agent or product with demonstrated insecticidal activity under the conditions of the relevant test method, intended to control insects; usually falls under PT18.
Source: BPR, Annex V; EN 14885:2022
Insecticide resistance
The ability of an arthropod population to survive exposure to a dose of insecticide that would normally be lethal to that population.
Source: Entomology; WHO
Interference
Effect of components of the environment or matrix on the measured activity of a product or on the analytical method.
Source: EN 14885:2022; microbiology
Intermediate-level disinfectant
Agent or process that inactivates vegetative bacteria, most fungi, mycobacteria and most viruses, but does not inactivate bacterial spores.
Source: CDC
Intermediate-level disinfection
Process that inactivates vegetative microorganisms, mycobacteria, most fungi and viruses, but not bacterial spores.
Source: CDC

L

Larvicide
Product intended to control the larval stages of a target organism (for example mosquitoes), frequently used in the control of vector-relevant arthropods.
Source: Entomology; CDC
Legionella
Genus of bacteria that includes species of public health interest and relevant to the microbiological control of water and certain water systems.
Source: WHO; CDC; EN 14885:2022
Letter of access
An original document, signed by the data owner or their representative, allowing the data to be used for the benefit of a third party by the competent authorities, the Agency or the Commission for the purposes of the BPR.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Limit of detection
The lowest value or concentration of an analyte/microorganism that can be detected by the method used, under the defined conditions.
Source: Microbiology; analytical methods
Log reduction
Measure of the reduction in the number of microorganisms expressed on a logarithmic scale. For example, a 3 log10 reduction corresponds to a 99.9% reduction, under the applicable calculation.
Source: Microbiology
Logarithmic reduction
See Log reduction.
Source: Microbiology
Low-level disinfectant
Agent or process that inactivates vegetative bacteria and some viruses and fungi, but not bacterial spores; the exact definition depends on the framework used.
Source: CDC
Low-level disinfection
Process intended to reduce vegetative microorganisms and some fungi and viruses, under the conditions of the process applied.
Source: CDC
Low-temperature chemical sterilisation
Sterilisation achieved with a chemical agent at low temperature, used only when the method is suitable for the device and intended/validated for that use.
Source: WHO; CDC
Lumen
Internal channel or cavity of a medical device. Cleaning and disinfection must ensure the agent reaches all relevant surfaces.
Source: WHO; CDC

M

Making available on the market
Under the BPR, any supply of a biocidal product for distribution or use on the Union market in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Matrix
The physical and chemical environment in which the microorganisms or the tested substance are found; the properties of the matrix can influence the test result.
Source: Microbiology
MBC / minimum bactericidal concentration
The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that produces a bactericidal effect under the conditions of the laboratory method used.
Source: Microbiology
Medical device
Product defined by the legislation applicable to medical devices, in particular Regulation (EU) 2017/745. Reprocessing a reusable device must take into account the manufacturer's instructions and the intended use.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2017/745
MIC / minimum inhibitory concentration
The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the visible growth of a microorganism under the conditions of the method used.
Source: Microbiology
Microbial culture
The growth of microorganisms on or in a suitable nutrient medium for identification, counting or other analyses.
Source: CDC; microbiology
Microbial resistance
The ability of a microorganism to survive or remain viable in the presence of an antimicrobial agent or process.
Source: Microbiology
Microbicidal activity
The ability of an agent to inactivate or destroy the target microorganisms under the conditions defined by the relevant test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022; CDC
Microbiological efficacy
The antimicrobial effect demonstrated by test methods relevant to the claimed microorganisms and conditions.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Microbiological risk
The risk associated with exposure to microorganisms capable of causing adverse effects, depending on the microorganism, the route of exposure and host susceptibility.
Source: WHO; CDC
Microorganism
Under the BPR, a cellular or non-cellular microbiological entity capable of replication or of transferring genetic material, including, among others, viruses, bacteria, yeasts, moulds, algae, protozoa and microscopic parasitic helminths.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(b)
Mould
Microscopic filamentous fungus made up of hyphae that can form a mycelium.
Source: Microbiology
Mutual recognition
Procedure by which a biocidal product already authorised in one Member State may be authorised in another Member State under the conditions and procedure laid down in the BPR.
Source: BPR
Mycobactericidal
Showing demonstrated mycobactericidal activity under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Mycobactericidal activity
Demonstrated activity against the relevant mycobacteria, under the conditions of the applicable test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Mycobacterium
Group of bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium and related groups, some of which show increased resistance to certain disinfection procedures.
Source: Microbiology; CDC

N

National authorisation
Authorisation granted by the competent authority of a Member State for making a biocidal product available on the market and using it within that Member State.
Source: BPR
National Register of Biocidal Products
National register used to record biocidal products in Romania, within the applicable national system.
Source: National biocides legislation
New active substance
A substance that was not on the market on 14 May 2000 as an active substance of a biocidal product for the purposes defined by the BPR.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(e)
Non-critical items (Spaulding)
In the Spaulding classification, the category of objects/devices that come into contact only with intact skin and require, depending on the context, cleaning and low-/intermediate-level disinfection.
Source: WHO; CDC
Non-enveloped virus
Virus without an outer lipid membrane. Susceptibility to disinfectants varies depending on the virus and the agent.
Source: CDC; virology
Non-porous surface
Surface that does not significantly allow liquid to penetrate into the material; a relevant category for many disinfectant test methods.
Source: Test methods; EN 14885:2022
Non-professional user / general public
Under Order no. 10/368/11/2010, a person who, as a consumer, uses a biocidal product privately at work or at home, following the instructions for use.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010, Art. 2

O

Oocidal / oocysticidal
Term used for demonstrated activity against oocysts, only where a relevant test method and claim exist. It is not used as a generic term for any antiparasitic activity.
Source: Specific standards/methods
Oocyst
Resistant/reproductive form found in certain protozoa, relevant to certain microbiological assessments.
Source: Parasitology
Organic matter
Material originating from living organisms, such as blood, proteins or other biological residues. It can reduce a disinfectant's access to microorganisms and may affect efficacy.
Source: CDC

P

Pathogen
Biological agent capable of causing disease under certain conditions and in a susceptible host.
Source: WHO; CDC
Peracetic acid (PAA)
Oxidising agent used as an active substance in certain biocidal products and in chemical disinfection or sterilisation processes, under the conditions set out for the relevant use.
Source: BPR; ECHA; CDC
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Equipment designed to be worn or held by a person for protection against one or more risks. PPE for handling biocides is chosen according to the risk assessment, the label and the safety data sheet.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2016/425; CLP/SDS
Phase 1
In the European test standards for disinfectants, a basic stage intended to establish activity in laboratory suspension tests, which does not in itself prove any specific practical use.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
Phase 2, step 1
Quantitative laboratory suspension tests that take into account conditions closer to the intended uses than phase 1 tests.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
Phase 2, step 2
Laboratory tests that use a carrier test method and conditions that better simulate a specific use.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards
Placement on the market (older term)
Term found in older national acts; current BPR terminology uses „making available on the market” and „placing on the market”, as appropriate.
Source: BPR; Order no. 10/368/11/2010
Placing on the market
The first making available on the Union market of a biocidal product or a treated article.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Porous surface
Surface that can absorb liquid or allow it to penetrate into the material. Compatibility and efficacy must be assessed for the specific use.
Source: Test methods
Pre-cleaning
Initial step intended to remove contaminants and prepare the item or device for further processing.
Source: WHO; CDC
Preparation
Term used in older legislative and technical contexts for mixtures; under CLP and REACH the term „mixture” is mainly used.
Source: CLP; REACH
Product type (PT)
Biocidal product category established in Annex V to the BPR. The 22 product types are grouped into 4 main groups: disinfectants (PT1–PT5), preservatives (PT6–PT13), pest control (PT14–PT20) and other biocidal products (PT21–PT22).
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
Professional user
Under Order no. 10/368/11/2010, an employed and/or self-employed user who uses finished biocidal products outside industrial premises in the course of professional activities, trained and qualified in the responsibilities of the occupation and experienced and skilled in the use of personal protective equipment.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010, Art. 2
PT1 – Human hygiene
Biocidal products used for human hygiene, applied on or in contact with human skin or scalps, for the primary purpose of disinfecting the skin or scalp.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT2 – Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals
Products used, depending on their purpose, to disinfect surfaces, materials, equipment, furniture, air, certain waters, chemical toilets, waste water, hospital waste and soil; also includes certain algaecides and products for incorporation into treated articles.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT3 – Veterinary hygiene
Products for veterinary hygiene and for disinfecting materials and surfaces associated with housing or transporting animals.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT4 – Food and feed area
Products used to disinfect equipment, containers, utensils, surfaces and pipework used in the production, transport, storage or consumption of food or feed, including drinking water for humans and animals, within the limits of the product type.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT5 – Drinking water
Products used to disinfect drinking water for humans and animals.
PT6 – In-can preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve manufactured products, other than food or feed, in their containers by controlling microbial deterioration to ensure their shelf life.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT7 – Film preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve films or coatings by controlling microbial deterioration, in order to protect the initial properties of the surface of materials or objects.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT8 – Wood preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to protect wood against wood-destroying organisms, including insects.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT9 – Fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve fibrous or polymerised materials, such as leather, rubber or textiles, by controlling microbial deterioration.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT10 – Construction material preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve masonry, composite or other construction materials other than wood by controlling microbial and algal attack.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT11 – Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve water or other liquids in cooling and processing systems by controlling harmful organisms, including microorganisms.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT12 – Slimicides
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to prevent or control the growth of microbial slime on materials, equipment and structures used in industrial processes.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT13 – Working or cutting fluid preservatives
Product type in main group 2: preservatives. Products used to preserve metalworking fluids by controlling microbial deterioration.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT14 – Rodenticides
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control mice, rats or other rodents.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT15 – Avicides
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control birds.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT16 – Molluscicides, vermicides and products to control other invertebrates
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control molluscs, worms and other invertebrates not covered by another product type.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT17 – Piscicides
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control fish; use usually targets unwanted or invasive species.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT18 – Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control arthropods (for example insects, arachnids and crustaceans), other than those intended for plant protection.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT19 – Repellents and attractants
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control harmful organisms (invertebrates or vertebrates) by repelling or attracting them, including those applied directly to the skin for human or veterinary hygiene.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT20 – Control of other vertebrates
Product type in main group 3: pest control. Products used to control vertebrates other than those covered by PT14 (rodenticides) and PT15 (avicides).
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT21 – Antifouling products
Product type in main group 4: other biocidal products. Products used to control the growth and settlement of fouling organisms on vessels, aquaculture equipment or other structures used in water.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA
PT22 – Embalming and taxidermist fluids
Product type in main group 4: other biocidal products. Products used to disinfect and preserve human or animal corpses, or parts of them.
Source: BPR, Annex V; ECHA

Q

Qualitative test
Method in which the result is assessed on the basis of presence/absence or another defined qualitative criterion.
Source: Microbiological methods
Quantitative test
Method in which the antimicrobial effect is quantified numerically, usually by comparing the number of microorganisms before and after treatment.
Source: EN 14885:2022; microbiology

R

Recontamination
The reappearance of contamination after a surface, device or material has been cleaned, disinfected or sterilised.
Source: Infection control
Repellent
Product intended to repel a harmful organism by acting on its behaviour, without necessarily killing it, in order to reduce contact with humans, animals or surfaces; falls under PT19.
Source: BPR, Annex V
Reprocessing
The set of steps required for a reusable medical device to be used again, including cleaning, disinfection and/or sterilisation, as appropriate.
Source: WHO; Regulation (EU) 2017/745
Residue
Under the BPR, a substance present in or on products of plant or animal origin, food, feed, water or the environment, resulting from the use of a biocidal product; under the conditions of the Regulation, the term includes metabolites and degradation or reaction products.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Risk
The combination of the probability of an adverse effect occurring and its severity. For biocides, risk assessment takes both hazards and exposure into account.
Source: BPR; CLP

S

Safety data sheet (SDS)
Document that communicates information on hazards, handling, storage, first-aid measures, exposure controls and other safety information for substances and mixtures, in accordance with the applicable legislation.
Source: REACH, Annex II; CLP
Sanitisation
Term used in some fields for reducing the microbial load to a level considered acceptable. It should not automatically be used as a synonym for disinfection.
Source: Specialist literature
SDS
See Safety data sheet (SDS).
Source: REACH, Annex II
Semi-critical items (Spaulding)
In the Spaulding classification, the category of devices that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin and in principle require high-level disinfection, or sterilisation where indicated.
Source: WHO; CDC
Single biocidal product
A biocidal product with no intentional variations in the percentage of the active or non-active substances it contains.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(r)
Spectrum of activity
The set of microorganism categories against which a product shows demonstrated activity under the relevant conditions.
Source: EN 14885:2022; product documentation
Sporicidal
Showing demonstrated sporicidal activity under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Sporicidal activity
Demonstrated activity against bacterial endospores under the conditions of the relevant test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022; CDC
Sterile
State defined by the absence of viable microorganisms according to the criteria of the applicable sterilisation process. For medical devices, sterility is associated with a validated and controlled process.
Source: WHO; sterilisation
Sterilisation
Physical or chemical process used to destroy/inactivate microorganisms, including high numbers of bacterial endospores, under controlled and validated conditions.
Source: WHO; CDC
Substance of concern
Under the BPR, any substance other than the active substance that has an inherent capacity to cause an adverse effect on humans, in particular vulnerable groups, animals or the environment, and is present or produced in the biocidal product in sufficient concentration to present such a risk.
Source: BPR, Art. 3(1)(f)
Substance or mixture
Terms used in EU chemicals legislation for the materials and formulations to which REACH/CLP apply; current terminology prefers „mixture” over the old „preparation”.
Source: REACH; CLP
Suspension test
Method in which microorganisms are suspended in a liquid medium and exposed to the antimicrobial agent under defined conditions.
Source: EN 14885:2022 and associated standards

T

Technical equivalence
Determination of the similarity, as regards chemical composition and hazard profile, between a substance produced from a different source or by a modified manufacturing process/location and the reference source substance.
Source: BPR; ECHA
Terminal disinfection
Cleaning and/or disinfection carried out at the end of a period of use of a space or after an event requiring terminal processing, according to the applicable procedure.
Source: Infection control; WHO
Test organism
Microorganism selected for an antimicrobial activity test method, according to the relevant standard.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Test protocol
Documentation that sets out the methodology, conditions, materials, microorganisms, times and criteria used in a test. It is not synonymous with a product's protocol of use.
Source: Test methodology
Traceability
The ability to trace the history, application or location of a product, batch, material or process through documented information and records.
Source: Quality systems; BPR/product documentation
Trained professional user
Under Order no. 10/368/11/2010, a professional user with additional training and certification according to the professional training methodology laid down in national legislation.
Source: Order no. 10/368/11/2010, Art. 2
Treated article
Any substance, mixture or article that has been treated with, or intentionally incorporates, one or more biocidal products. If it has a primary biocidal function, it is considered a biocidal product.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Treated product
Any substance, mixture or article that has been treated with, or intentionally incorporates, one or more biocidal products.
Source: BPR, Art. 3
Tuberculocidal
Showing demonstrated tuberculocidal activity under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Tuberculocidal activity
Demonstrated activity against the test organisms used for a tuberculocidal claim, under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022

U

Union authorisation
Authorisation granted by the Commission allowing a biocidal product to be made available on the market and used throughout the Union or in part of it, under the conditions of the BPR.
Source: BPR
Use
Under the BPR, all operations carried out with a biocidal product, including storage, handling, mixing and application, except operations carried out with a view to exporting the product outside the Union.
Source: BPR, Art. 3

V

Validation
Documented process demonstrating that a process, carried out under defined conditions, repeatably produces the intended result.
Source: WHO; quality systems
Vector
Organism, usually an arthropod (for example a mosquito or tick), capable of transmitting a pathogen from one host to another.
Source: WHO; CDC
Verification
Confirmation, based on objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled.
Source: Quality management systems
Virucidal
Showing demonstrated virucidal activity under the conditions of the relevant method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Virucidal activity
Demonstrated activity against the relevant test viruses, under the conditions of the applicable test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Virus
Acellular infectious agent that replicates inside host cells. Under the BPR, viruses are included in the category of microorganisms.
Source: BPR; microbiology

Y

Yeasticidal
Showing demonstrated activity against yeasts under the conditions of the relevant test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022
Yeasticidal activity
Demonstrated activity against the relevant yeasts, under the conditions of the applicable test method.
Source: EN 14885:2022

Terms that should not be treated as synonyms

The confusions below frequently appear in technical data sheets, offers, and procedures. The difference matters for choosing the correct product.

  • Cleaning≠Disinfection

    Cleaning removes dirt and some of the microorganisms; disinfection aims to inactivate/reduce microorganisms under defined conditions.

  • Disinfection≠Sterilisation

    Disinfection does not necessarily mean eliminating all microorganisms and spores; sterilisation is a process intended to destroy/inactivate microorganisms, including endospores, under controlled conditions.

  • Disinfectant≠Antiseptic

    A disinfectant is intended for inanimate objects/surfaces; an antiseptic is intended for living tissue.

  • Bactericidal≠Bacteriostatic

    Bactericidal = destruction/inactivation of bacteria under the conditions of the claim; bacteriostatic = inhibition of growth.

  • Fungicidal≠Fungistatic

    Fungicidal = destruction/inactivation activity; fungistatic = inhibition of growth.

  • Decontamination≠Disinfection

    Decontamination is the broader concept of removing dirt and microorganisms for safe handling and/or further processing.

  • PT2≠PT4

    PT2 covers certain surfaces/materials and other uses without direct contact with food/feed; PT4 is intended, under the conditions of Annex V, for the food and feed area.

  • Concentration≠Dose

    Concentration expresses the amount of substance in a given volume/mass; dose expresses the amount administered/applied per relevant unit.

  • Contamination≠Infection

    Contamination means the presence of microorganisms; infection involves an agent entering and multiplying in a host, with biologically/clinically relevant significance.

  • Demonstrated activity≠Guaranteed effect under any conditions

    A test result is valid under the conditions of the method and claim concerned; it cannot automatically be extended to every condition of use.

Biocidal product types (PT1–PT22)

Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 (BPR) divides biocidal products into 22 product-types, grouped into 4 main groups. Click on a code for the full definition.

Main group 1 – Disinfectants

CodeNameIntended use, in brief
PT1Human hygieneHuman skin/scalp, for the primary purpose of disinfection.
PT2Disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animalsSurfaces, materials, equipment, furniture and other uses listed in Annex V; excludes uses covered by other PTs.
PT3Veterinary hygieneVeterinary hygiene and materials/surfaces associated with animals.
PT4Food and feed areaEquipment, containers, utensils, surfaces and pipework in the food/feed area, including associated drinking water.
PT5Drinking waterDisinfection of drinking water for humans and animals.

Main group 2 – Preservatives

CodeNameIntended use, in brief
PT6In-can preservativesPreservation of manufactured products in their containers, other than food/feed.
PT7Film preservativesPreservation of films/coatings by controlling microbial deterioration.
PT8Wood preservativesProtection of wood against wood-destroying organisms, including insects.
PT9Fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservativesPreservation of fibrous/polymerised materials by controlling microbial deterioration.
PT10Construction material preservativesPreservation of masonry/composite materials other than wood by controlling microbial and algal attack.
PT11Preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systemsPreservation of water/liquids in cooling and processing systems by controlling harmful organisms.
PT12SlimicidesPrevention/control of microbial slime growth in industrial processes.
PT13Working or cutting fluid preservativesPreservation of metalworking fluids by controlling microbial deterioration.

Main group 3 – Pest control

CodeNameIntended use, in brief
PT14RodenticidesControl of mice, rats and other rodents.
PT15AvicidesControl of birds.
PT16Molluscicides, vermicides and products to control other invertebratesControl of molluscs, worms and other invertebrates not covered by another PT.
PT17PiscicidesControl of fish, usually unwanted or invasive species.
PT18Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropodsControl of arthropods (insects, arachnids, crustaceans), other than those for plant protection.
PT19Repellents and attractantsRepelling or attracting harmful organisms, including direct application to the skin for human/veterinary hygiene.
PT20Control of other vertebratesControl of vertebrates not covered by PT14 (rodenticides) or PT15 (avicides).

Main group 4 – Other biocidal products

CodeNameIntended use, in brief
PT21Antifouling productsControl of the growth and settlement of fouling organisms on vessels, aquaculture equipment and other aquatic structures.
PT22Embalming and taxidermist fluidsDisinfection and preservation of human or animal corpses, or parts of them.

Do you want to learn more about professional hygiene standards?

Explore our specialized guides for sectors such as medical, dental, HoReCa, and beauty.

See the guides
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