This European Standard specifies a test method simulating practical conditions for establishing whether a product for surgical handrub and handwash reduces the release of resident and eventually present transient microbial flora on hands when used for the treatment of clean hands of volunteers.

This European Standard applies to products for surgical handrub or handwash for use in areas and situations where disinfection is medically indicated. Such indications occur in patient care, for example:

- in hospitals, in community medical facilities and in dental institutions;

- in clinics of schools, of kindergartens and of nursing homes.

and may occur in the workplace and in the home. It may also include services such as laundries and kitchens supplying products directly for the patient.

EN 14885 specifies in detail the relationship of the various tests to one another and to “use recommendations”.

NOTE – This method corresponds to a phase 2, step 2 test.