Work Item
ASTM WK90284
New Test Method for the Microbiocidal Efficacy of Active Surface Products Used in Indoor Environments
1. Scope
This document applies to efficacy testing of a wide range of surfaces with active biocidal properties including semi-porous and hydrophobic surfaces. This document supports testing of a broad spectrum of bacteria, gram-positive as well as gram-negative. The described test method provides a = 4 log dynamic range measurement capability, which allows for reliable measurements of fragile organisms. This test method applies to surface contamination in a dry environment; however, it does not simulate single microdroplet contamination under extremely dry conditions.
Note 1 to entry: The test method described here may be expanded to include viruses (enveloped or non-enveloped) at a later date.
Keywords
anti-microbial; self-sanitizing
Rationale
In recent years, the market has been looking for active microbiocidal surfaces that can reliably kill microorganisms to protect against cross-contamination, especially in high-traffic environments and in environments that require sterile conditions, such as hospitals.
Previous test methods were based on wet environmental conditions, which do not adequately reflect real-world contamination and the effectiveness of self-disinfecting surfaces.
ISO 7581 simulates realistic contamination of an extremely dry non-porous surface by microdroplets but may not be reliably applicable to semi-porous and hydrophobic surfaces, especially when used on fragile microorganisms.
The industry needs a test method that reliably measures the killing ability of such surfaces to answer questions from regulators about their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria and viruses. The industry's goal is to find products with high kill properties that remain intact over a reasonable lifetime of the product.
The proposed test method strikes the balance between simulating realistic conditions and providing a robust test method for the industry and regulators.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 04-11-2024
Technical Contact: Ilona Schmidt