SAO™ vs MHV-3: The Official Lab Reports
Following rigorous tests, which were conducted to the required standards and protocols EN 14476:2015. It was proven that SAO™ was effective in eliminating greater than >99.99% (>4-log) of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) surrogate, MHV-3, with a one-minute dwell time.
While testing against MHV, the lab also tested against Influenza A Virus (H1N1), Measles Virus and Syncytial Respiratory Virus, all of which belong to the enveloped virus subcategory. Tersano’s SAO™ solution was as equally effective at eliminating greater than >99.99% (>4-log) of these viruses with the same one-minute dwell time as the COVID-19 surrogate, MHV-3.
Murine Hepatitis Virus
>99.99% killed in 1 minute
Influenza A Virus
>99.99% killed in 1 minute
Measles Virus
>99.99% killed in 1 minute
Syncytial Respiratory Virus
>99.99% killed in 1 minute
You can see the latest Tersano Bulletin here and download the updated pathogen report here.
Why is testing against a surrogate virus important?
MHV-3 is one of the globally accepted surrogate for COVID-19, as stated here and by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is important to note because it means that not only is MHV-3 in the same family as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), but it has an almost identical structure, as shown in the diagram.
Note that, the red box shows a phylogenetic tree of coronaviruses. Next to that tree, you can see the genome structures which make up each strain of coronavirus, of which the 2019-nCoV and MHV-A59 are most similar, and in fact almost identical.
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Our first lab test (25/2/20): SAO™ vs Parvovirus
The first stage of lab testing was conducted with SAO™ and Canine Parvovirus. Canine Parvovirus is a highly infectious and fatal virus, sitting in the small non-enveloped virus category (the hardest virus group to kill). Here’s what we found…
Important information & virus categorisation
Viruses tend to fall into one of three categories based on how resilient they are and how difficult they are to destroy. These categories are as follows:
- Small non-enveloped viruses (most difficult to kill).
- Large non-enveloped viruses.
- Enveloped viruses (least difficult to kill).
Although we are still learning a lot about Sars-Covid-2 (Coronovidae family), what we do know is that it is an enveloped virus, putting it in the category of least resistant to kill with an antimicrobial agent. Canine Parvovirus on the other hand, is a ‘small non-enveloped’ virus, making it one of the hardest types of viruses to destroy. EPA state ‘small, non-enveloped viruses can be highly resistant to inactivation by disinfection’.
Can SAO™ kill Parvovirus?
SAO™ cleaning solution was sprayed onto the Canine Parvovirus samples using a 1/ppm of dissolved ozone at protocol dwell times of 5 minutes. The results revealed that within 5 minutes, SAO™ was effective at killing > 99% of the small non-enveloped Parvovirus. Tersano official bulletin here.
Why this is important to know?
Canine parvovirus and its extended family are one of the toughest and most resistant to forms of disinfectants. The virus can last up to 7 months on a variety of surfaces and withstand varying degrees of temperatures. We have always clearly stated that SAO™ is an extremely powerful sanitiser and not a hospital grade disinfectant, which makes us even more proud of what the solution has been able to achieve against such a tough small-non enveloped virus.
What do these results mean?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance document, if an antimicrobial product is able to kill a small, non-enveloped virus, it is eligible for effectiveness against emerging pathogens. Tersano continues to validate the efficiency of SAO™ using a direct testing protocol. In the meantime, you can learn more about Stabilised Aqueous Ozone (SAO™) and how it works below.
Next steps
Over the next 4-6 weeks Tersano will be testing further to provide clients with updated information. These tests can sometimes take months to complete, but rest assured Tersano is working as hard as possible to provide results on effectiveness and dwell times.
How is SAO™ created?
SAO™ is made using a volt of electricity which is injected into normal tap water, splitting the oxygen atoms in the water. This turns o2 into o3, creating the powerful Stabilised Aqueous Ozone. It is whilst in this o3 state that the solution is able to kill up to 99.999% of harmful bacteria and viruses. Deadly to germs, but safe for people and the planet, SAO™ is already being used by organisations and households across the world to provide a highly effective, eco-friendly and cost-saving cleaning alternative to toxic chemicals. To learn more about how SAO™ works, click here.

Oxygen is converted into ozone then combined with the stabilised water to create Stabilised Aqueous Ozone.

Molecules in the cleaning solution are attracted to bacteria and dirt, destroying them upon contact.

The SAO™ cleaning solution then reverts safely back to water and oxygen.
Downloadable Resources
How is the Iclean mini solution is created?
Inside the iClean mini is a Rare Diamond Electrode Mechanism that passes an electric current through the oxygen in the air, converting Oxygen (O2) into Ozone (O3). This is then infused into the tap water, instantly creating Aqueous Ozone, a safe but powerful natural cleaner and sanitiser for on demand cleaning anywhere and anytime.
It’s like a mini thunderstorm.
Where to purchase SAO™ cleaning devices.
Purozo are a leading UK supplier of Tersano’s SAO™ cleaning devices. The Tersano Lotus® Pro offers a more industrial, commercial-level solution, used to clean entire buildings with just one batch, whilst the Tersano iClean Mini™ offers a household solution, and is used to spray surfaces just like a normal spray bottle. Both products create SAO™ on demand, making safe and effective cleaning easier than ever. Find out more about the Lotus Pro® and iClean Mini™ below.
Commercial cleaning solution
An all-in-one cleaning solution for commercial use
Installation support
Permanently fixed to the wall, we install the unit for you, connecting it to your electricity and water supply
On-demand cleaning
Creates Stabilised Aqueous Ozone at the push of a button
Long lasting
Clean entire buildings with just one batch
Multi-purpose
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Easy to use and maintain
Cartridges are easily replaceable
On-going support
Ongoing maintenance service contract included
A portable cleaning solution
A compact, lightweight and portable device, that fits into the palm of your hand
Suitable for smaller cleaning jobs
Tackles any domestic cleaning job
On-demand cleaning
Dispenses instant Stabilised Aqueous Ozone at the push of a button
Multi-purpose
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Minimal requirements
All it requires is normal tap water to function
Fully rechargable
Simply connect your device to the mains socket
Powerful and effective
Removes dirt, grime, odours, stains and harmful bacteria