Time Kill Test

Time Kill Test is a basic microbiology method for assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of An Antimicrobial Test Material or Disinfectant. The Kill Time Test is carried out to evaluate the microbial reduction by a disinfectant against selected bacteria or fungi. Various organisms are studied depending upon the type of analysis and test material, however, most common organisms tested include: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella cholerasuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.coli, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

The test product or a dilution of the test product is brought into contact with a known population of microorganisms approximately 10⁶ CFU/mL for a specified period of time at a specified temperature. At selected time points including zero time, aliquots are removed and placed into a neutralizer blank. Dilutions of the neutralizer are made and selected dilutions are plated onto agar. Colonies are enumerated.

The percent or log reduction, or both, from either an initial microbial population, or test blank is calculated.

Amount of Sample Required

At least 30 milliliters or grams per lot per organism are required. If 30 ml or g are not feasible, the lab will be able to manage a lower volume.

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