Researchers tested a method called digital PCR (dPCR) to see if it could work as a faster way to measure how well disinfectants kill viruses. They used a virus surrogate called MS2 and compared the dPCR results against a standard laboratory test known as the plaque assay.
The study found a very strong correlation between the two methods. When testing specific chemicals, 60 ppm hypochlorous acid showed effective inactivation of the virus. However, 70% ethanol only showed partial inactivation because it did not meet the required benchmark for full effectiveness.
Because this was a laboratory validation study using a surrogate virus, these results apply to testing procedures rather than direct clinical treatment. While dPCR is a fast and accurate tool for measuring disinfectant strength, its reliability may be limited when viral concentrations are very low. This finding helps scientists develop faster ways to test cleaning products.
