This document specifies methods for keeping test organisms used and defined in European Standards for the determination of bactericidal (incl. Legionella pneumophila), mycobactericidal, sporicidal, fungicidal and virucidal (incl. bacteriophages) activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics drawn up by CEN/TC 216. These methods for keeping test organisms can only be carried out in connection with at least one of those standards where a reference to this document is established. NOTE 1 Annex A (informative) contains a non-exhaustive list of test organisms for which this document can be applied. NOTE 2 European Standards (EN and prEN) where this document is referenced are listed in the Bibliography. NOTE 3 A specific part on the preservation of bacterial spores could be added once the results of the ongoing ring trials are available.