ISO 18071:2016 Testing: Antiviral Activity of Semiconducting Photocatalytic Materials
Airmid Healthgroup conducts antiviral activity testing on fine ceramics and semiconducting photocatalytic materials to ISO 18071:2016 — assessing their effectiveness under indoor lighting conditions and providing quantitative data to support antiviral claims for construction and interior materials.
Overview of ISO 18071:2016
Using the ISO 18071 standard, this test provides quantitative data on the antiviral properties of non-porous photocatalytic surfaces when exposed to viruses under controlled indoor lighting conditions. This independent validation supports manufacturers in substantiating their antiviral claims for use in construction and interior materials in healthcare, commercial, and residential environments where surface hygiene is a priority.
Products That Can Be Tested
ISO 18071:2016 is designed for non-porous, indoor-light-active photocatalytic materials used in construction and interior applications, including:
- Flat sheets, boards, and plates
- Coatings and treated surfaces
- Architectural and decorative panels
- Antiviral surface treatments for public spaces
How the ISO 18071:2016 Test Works
- Virus Exposure: The test material is inoculated with an appropriate virus and exposed to a halophosphate fluorescent lamp at a predefined intensity for a duration of 2 to 8 hours — replicating the indoor lighting conditions found in real-world applications.
- Control & Experimental Conditions: Parallel tests are conducted on both treated and untreated materials under light and dark conditions — accurately isolating and evaluating the photocatalytic antiviral activity of the material.
- Test Repetition & Validation: The test is performed in triplicate to ensure consistent, reproducible results that provide a robust evidential basis for antiviral claims.
- Adaptability to Other Viruses: While the standard test method is written for bacteriophage Q-beta, the protocol can be adapted for other biosafety level 2 viruses or bacteriophages depending on specific testing requirements and product claims.
Benefits of ISO 18071:2016 Testing with Airmid Healthgroup
Scientifically Validated Claims
Independent testing under ISO 18071 ensures robust, third-party validated support for antiviral performance claims — providing evidence that stands up to regulatory and consumer scrutiny.
Real-World Application
Testing replicates indoor lighting conditions — providing relevant, actionable insights into how the material will actually perform in healthcare, commercial, and residential environments.
Competitive Advantage
Third-party validation from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory enhances consumer trust and helps differentiate antiviral photocatalytic materials in an increasingly competitive market.
Third-Party Validation & Turnaround Time
Products that pass the ISO 18071:2016 antiviral activity test can be labelled as independently tested by Airmid Healthgroup — providing manufacturers with credible, defensible data to support their claims in marketing, regulatory submissions, and product certifications.
Turnaround Time
4–6 Weeks
From receipt of samples
Accreditation
ISO 17025
GLP-compliant, independently audited
Request a Quote for ISO 18071:2016 Testing
Ensure your photocatalytic materials meet the highest standards for antiviral performance. Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your testing needs and request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 18071:2016 and what does it assess?
ISO 18071:2016 is an international standard specifying the method for determining the antiviral activity of semiconducting photocatalytic materials — specifically fine ceramics and coatings that use visible indoor light to generate reactive oxygen species capable of inactivating viruses on non-porous surfaces.
Why is testing conducted under both light and dark conditions?
Testing under indoor light demonstrates the photocatalytic antiviral effect triggered by light activation. Testing in the dark acts as a control — confirming that any virus reduction is specifically due to the photocatalytic mechanism rather than any other surface property. This dual approach provides scientifically robust, defensible results.
How does ISO 18071:2016 differ from ISO 18061:2014?
Both standards test the antiviral activity of photocatalytic materials using bacteriophage Q-beta as the primary test organism. ISO 18061:2014 uses UV light for activation, while ISO 18071:2016 uses a halophosphate fluorescent lamp — simulating indoor visible light conditions. ISO 18071 is therefore the more relevant standard for products intended for use in indoor environments without UV light exposure.
Can other viruses be used besides bacteriophage Q-beta?
Yes. While the standard protocol uses bacteriophage Q-beta as the primary test organism, the method can be adapted for other biosafety level 2 viruses or bacteriophages depending on specific testing requirements or the target application of the product.
What will I receive after ISO 18071:2016 testing?
You will receive a full GLP-compliant test report detailing the methodology, light and dark condition results, virus reduction data, triplicate test validation, and conclusions — along with the right to label your product as independently tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 18071:2016. This supports antiviral claims in marketing materials and regulatory submissions.
Related Tests and Services
- ISO 18061:2014 — Antiviral Activity of Photocatalytic Materials (UV light)
- ISO 27447:2019 — Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 13125:2013 — Antifungal Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
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