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1.1.1 A round-robin study was conducted with eleven laboratories participating. Each laboratory tested duplicate samples of six commercially available porous materials to determine the Log Reduction Value (LRV) (see calculation in Section 12). Materials tested under the standard conditions described in this test method returned average values that range from LRV 1.7 to 4.3.

1.1.2 Results of this round-robin study indicate that caution should be used when comparing test data and ranking materials, especially when a small number of sample replicates are used. In addition, further collaborative work (such as described in Practice E691) should be conducted before this test method would be considered adequate for purposes of setting performance standards.

5.1.1 The bacterial challenge (number and kinds of microorganisms) that the package will encounter in its distribution and use. This may be influenced by factors such as shipping methods, expected shelf life, geographic location, and storage conditions.

5.1.2 The package design, including factors such as adhesion between materials, the presence or absence of secondary and tertiary packaging, and the nature of the device within the package.

5.1.3 The rate and volume exchange of air that the porous package encounters during its distribution and shelf life. This can be influenced by factors including the free-air volume within the package and pressure changes occurring as a result of transportation, manipulation, weather, or mechanical influences (such as room door closures and HVAC systems).

5.1.4 The microstructure of a porous material which influences the relative ability to adsorb or entrap microorganisms, or both, under different air-flow conditions.