What is the meaning of the listings on disinfectants?

Medical disinfectants are labelled according to certain listings. On the labels you will find information such as "VAH-listed" or "RKI-listed". These are references to lists of medical authorities or commissions that test disinfectants for their quality. If the preparations fulfil the respective quality criteria, they are included in the corresponding lists. These lists usually also contain instructions for use and further information about the application.

For example, here are some more common listings:

• VAH list: The VAH is the "Bund für Angewandte Hygiene e.V.". It maintains a list of disinfectants that can be viewed online for free. It is a manufacturer-independent collection of certified disinfectants that fulfil current European standards, DIN-EN standards and the requirements of the VAH itself. The VAH list contains information on effect spectra, whereby all VAH-listed disinfectants are effective against bacteria (including antibiotic-resistant variants) and yeast fungi. Manufacturers can have additional effect spectra certified. All products in the list have been tested by two independently expert opinion.
• RKI list:The Robert Koch Institute is one of the oldest research institutions for biomedicine and deals with a variety of health topics. The institute also maintains a list of tested and approved disinfectants and the related procedures. The quality is tested by Robert Koch Institute itself.
• IHO list:The Industrial Association Hygiene & Surface Protection (IHO) maintains a list of disinfectants divided into segments such as health care, hand disinfection, laundry disinfection, animal hygiene, and industrial, food or public sector use.