ISO 18061:2014 Testing: Antiviral Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
ISO 18061:2014 is an international standard that outlines a testing method to assess the antiviral activity of materials containing photocatalytic components or featuring photocatalytic films on their surfaces. Airmid Healthgroup provides independent, accredited testing to this standard, supporting manufacturers seeking to validate antiviral claims for photocatalytic products.
Scope of ISO 18061:2014
ISO 18061:2014 covers fine ceramics — specifically the determination of the antiviral activity of semiconducting photocatalytic materials. It applies to products containing photocatalytic materials or those coated with photocatalytic films, in flat sheet, board, or plate formats.
Products That Can Be Tested
This assessment applies to a range of products incorporating photocatalytic technology, including:
- Photocatalytic ceramic tiles and surface panels
- Glass and glazed materials with photocatalytic coatings
- Flat sheet and board materials with photocatalytic films
- Building and construction materials with antiviral surface claims
- Consumer and healthcare products featuring photocatalytic surface treatments
How the ISO 18061:2014 Test Works
The testing method quantitatively evaluates the antiviral activity of photocatalytic materials by exposing test samples to a specific virus for 2–8 hours under UV light at a defined intensity.
Test Organism
The protocol is designed for bacteriophage Q-beta as the primary test organism, but can be adapted for other biosafety level 2 viruses and bacteriophages.
Test Conditions
Each test is conducted in triplicate for both treated and untreated materials, assessed under UV light and in the dark — ensuring a rigorous and reproducible comparison.
Exposure Duration
Samples are exposed to the test virus for 2–8 hours under UV light at a defined intensity, replicating conditions relevant to real-world use of photocatalytic materials.
Third-Party Validation
Upon successful completion of the test, the product can be certified by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 18061:2014 — supporting any related antiviral claims based on the test results. Independent third-party certification strengthens consumer confidence and supports regulatory and marketing submissions.
Turnaround Time
ISO 18061:2014 testing at Airmid Healthgroup typically has a turnaround time of 4–6 weeks from receipt of samples — ensuring you can move forward with product development and marketing efficiently.
Get in Touch
Ready to validate the antiviral activity of your photocatalytic materials? Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your testing needs and request a custom quote for ISO 18061:2014 testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a photocatalytic material and how does it have antiviral activity?
Photocatalytic materials — typically semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) — generate reactive oxygen species when activated by light. These reactive species break down the proteins and genetic material of viruses and bacteria on the surface, effectively inactivating them. ISO 18061:2014 provides a standardised method to quantify this antiviral effect.
Why is testing conducted both under UV light and in the dark?
Testing under UV light demonstrates the active photocatalytic antiviral effect. Testing in the dark acts as a control to show that any virus reduction is specifically due to the photocatalytic activity and not simply from the physical surface or another mechanism. This dual testing approach ensures the results are scientifically robust and credible.
Can viruses other than bacteriophage Q-beta be used in ISO 18061:2014 testing?
Yes. While the standard protocol uses bacteriophage Q-beta as the primary test organism, the method can be adapted to include other biosafety level 2 viruses and bacteriophages — particularly where the manufacturer needs data against a specific virus relevant to their product’s intended application or market.
What product formats are covered by ISO 18061:2014?
The standard applies to photocatalytic materials in flat sheet, board, or plate formats — including ceramic tiles, glass panels, coated building materials, and other hard surface products incorporating photocatalytic technology.
What will I receive after ISO 18061:2014 testing?
You will receive a full test report detailing the methodology, virus reduction data, UV and dark condition results, and conclusions — along with the right to certify your product as independently tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 18061:2014. This supports antiviral claims in marketing materials and regulatory submissions.
Related Tests and Services
- ISO 18071:2016 — Antiviral Activity of Semiconducting Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 27447:2019 — Antibacterial Activity of Semiconducting Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 13125:2013 — Antifungal Activity of Semiconducting Photocatalytic Materials
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