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1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate qualitatively the presence of antibacterial and antifungal activity in or on fabrics or air filter media.

1.2 Use half-strength (nutrient and agar) tryptic soy agar as the inoculum vehicle for bacteria and half-strength potato dextrose agar as the inoculum vehicle for mold conidia. Use of half-strength agars may reduce undue neutralization of an antimicrobial due to excessive organic load.

1.3 This test method permits evaluation, both visually and stereomicroscopically, of the antimicrobial activity of fabric or filter media.

1.4 Use this test method to assess the durability of the antimicrobial treatments on new fabric or filter media, and on those repeatedly laundered or exposed to in-use conditions.

1.5 This test method may not be suited for covalently bonded (that is, silane-modified quaternary ammonium compounds) or actives with limited migration or solubility.

1.6 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for the practice of this test method.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

5.1 This test method provides for rapid screening of antimicrobial treatments located in or on fabrics and air filter media.

5.2 This test method simulates actual use conditions that may occur on fabrics, for example, food and beverage spills; soiling from body contact, that is, body oils, skin cells; prolonged moisture exposure.

5.3 This test method provides a means to screen for activity and durability of an antimicrobial treatment under conditions of organic loading.

5.4 This test method provides for the simultaneous assessment of multiple fabric components, for example, fabric, component fibers with polymer incorporated treatments, and back coating if present, for antimicrobial activity.

5.5 Fabrics or filter media may be cleaned prior to testing with this method in order to assess the durability of the antimicrobial effect.