Activity / Efficacy

In disinfection, these terms describe the impairing effect a certain agent (active ingredient) has on populations of microorganisms. Activity/efficacy may refer to inhibition of growth, complete killing or inactivation.

• Activity
  Activity describes the antimicrobial spectrum (e.g. bactericidal and yeasticidal activity). Generally, it is determined in suspension tests. Possible terms for activity: bactericidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, mycobactericidal, tuberculocidal, virucidal against enveloped viruses, virucidal, sporicidal.

• Efficacy
  The efficacy is tested for a certain type of application (e.g. surgical hand disinfection). It is determined in practical studies.