Kelsey-Sykes test

Phenol Coefficient Test. The first important attempt at standardizing testing methods was known as the phenol coefficient test (96). It has been modified several times, and is an official AO AC screening test recognized by EPA and PDA. The phenol coefficient test compares the activity of disinfectants to that of phenol, under specific conditions, to give a number that measures the activity of the chemical tested with respect to that of phenol, ie, the phenol coefficient. The AO AC method employs visual examination of bacterial growth in a nutrient medium. The Kelsey-Sykes test (1969) is a modified method popular in British circles. 

The Kelsey-Sykes (KS) test. Having regard to the many disadvantages alleged against the RW and CM tests, attempts were made and published in the early 1960s to find improved test methods. The foundations for the new test were laid by Kelsey et al. in 1965, and with the collaboration of the late G. Sykes and ofisobel M. Maurer, the Kelsey-Sykes test was evolved. This test embodied several principles. Firstly, it was a capacity test. Here a bacterial inoculum was added to the disinfectant in three successive lots at 0, 1 and 5 minutes. This is the principle of a capacity test where the capacity or lack of capacity ofthe disinfectant to destroy successive additions of a bacterial culture is tested. 

Croshaw B. (1981) Disinfectant testing—with particular reference to the Rideal-Walker and Kelsey-Sykes tests. In Disinfectants Their Use and Evaluation of Effectiveness (eds C.H. Collins, M.C. Allwood, S.F. Bloomfield A. Fox), pp. 1-15. London Academic Press. 

Kelsey J.C. Maurer I.M. (1974) An improved Kelsey-Sykes test for disinfectants. Pharm J, 207, 528-530. 

The Rideal Walker and Chick Martin tests have been replaced by the Kelsey-Sykes test which assesses the disinfectant at its in use concentration under both clean and dirty conditions. There is a considerable amount of preparation involved and the tests are probably best carried out in specialist laboratories. 

British Standard 6905, Method for the Estimation of Concentration of Disinfectants used in Dirty Conditions in Hospitals by the Modified Kelsey-Sykes test, 1987. 

Cowen R.A. (1978) Kelsey-Sykes capacity test a critical review. PharmJ, 220, 202-204. 

Vaccine against tetanus Vaccine against diphtheria Kelsey-Sykes disinfectant capacity test Preservative limit test Vaccine against Hib infections Dextran production Vaccine against meningitis C Alginate production Kelsey-Sykes disinfectant capacity test Kelsey-Sykes disinfectant capacity test Chick Martin/RideaI Walker disinfectant coefficient test Kelsey-Sykes disinfectant capacity test Preservative limit test... 

Around 1970, Kelsey, Sykes and Maurer developed the so-called capacity-use dilution test which measured the ability of a disinfectant at an appropriate in-use concentration to kill successive additions of a bacterial culture. Results were reported simply as pass or fail and not a numerical cipher (coefficient). Tests employed disinfectants diluted in clean hard water and in water containing organic material ( dirty conditions), with the final recovery broth containing 3% Tween 80 as a neutralizer. Such tests were applicable for use with a wide variety of disinfectants (see Kelsey Maurer, 1974). 

J.C. Kelsey and G. Sykes, A New Test for the Assessment of Disinfectants with Particular Reference to Their Use in Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Journal, 31st May, 1969. 

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