Anderson, S.C.—Due to increased testing inquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Product Performance Testing Laboratory is expanding its microbiology-based services to meet the industry’s growing and ever-changing needs for relevant, up-to-date product testing and analysis.
The lab has a long history of microbiological testing and research on ceramic tiles and other floor and wall coverings, including ground-breaking research on photocatalytic antimicrobial surfaces and the antimicrobial effects of various metal oxides in glazes.
New services include antiviral testing to determine the survival rates/duration of viruses on different surface materials and the efficacy of common household cleaners to disinfect these surfaces. TCNA will also be joining the ASTM task force for developing surrogates for the SARS-CoV-2 virus for testing purposes.
“The broad expertise of our lab, combined with our joint-use collaboration with Clemson University, means we can address a wide range of testing needs, including the design of custom testing,” said Katelyn Simpson, TCNA’s director of laboratory services.
The TCNA Product Performance Testing Laboratory is the only laboratory in the U.S. specializing in microbiological testing of floor, wall, and countertop surfaces, whether ceramic, stone, plastic-based, or other hard material. The state-of-the-art lab is uniquely positioned to provide this research on materials used in public and residential spaces in the hope that such research may be helpful to protect individuals against contracting and/or spreading viruses from contaminated interior surfaces.
“We embrace this opportunity to evaluate innovative solutions and proprietary technologies in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, TCNA senior research scientist and microbiology expert. “Long after a vaccine for COVID-19 is created, we anticipate heightened health concerns will continue to be the new normal, and TCNA is poised to continue supporting better practices for healthy and safe living.”