Face masks have played a crucial role in controlling the spread of viral infections during past pandemics and continue to be relevant in preventing the transmission of respiratory viruses.
While regular masks only serve as physical barriers and offer a layer of protection from pathogens, the self-disinfecting masks coated with antiviral agents offer additional protection against respiratory viruses. These specialized face masks are expected not only to restrict the entry of viruses and other particulate matter into the body but also to inactivate the viruses as soon as they come in contact with the mask.
Therefore, these specialized face masks’ antiviral efficacy must be checked per international standards to evaluate their protective potential against airborne viruses.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) have developed standard testing methods. ISO 18184 and JIS L 1922 respectively which determine the protective efficacy of face masks claiming antiviral properties.
Similarities between ISO 18184 and JIS 1922 testing methods:
- Objective: Both tests aim to determine the ability of textile materials to inactivate viruses. Testing involves the challenging of test specimens with test viruses.
- Methodology: The test virus is inoculated onto the test material and a control sample. After a contact period, the remaining virus is quantified. Both tests use plaque assay and TCID50 to quantify infectious virus titer.
- Target virus: Both standards recommend testing against important respiratory viruses including Influenza A, Feline calicivirus, Human Coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2.
- Scope of products to be tested – Both ISO 18184 and JIS L 1922 apply to a wide range of textiles used to make surgical clothes, masks, woven & knitted fabrics, yarns, braids, and activewear.
- Results: Both tests report the antiviral activity as a reduction in viral titer (logarithmic reduction factor).
Differences between ISO 18184 and JIS1922 testing methods:
- Origin: ISO 18184 is developed by the International Organization for Standardization whereas JIS L 1922 is a Japanese Industrial Standard
- Regional acceptance: ISO 18184 is used globally while JIS L 1922 primarily crafts standards for industrial activities in Japan.
Choosing between ISO 18184 vs JIS L 1922
Both ISO 18184 and JIS L 1922 are reliable methods to assess the antiviral efficacy of face masks. It’s important to note that regulatory requirements and standards for testing antiviral face masks can vary depending on the country or region.
Therefore, it’s always recommended to check the specific regulations and standards applicable in your location if you have concerns about the antiviral efficacy of face masks.
At MIS, our virology lab is well-equipped to perform face mask antiviral testing methods using JIS L 1922 and ISO 18184 standards.
We test textile antiviral efficacy using following strains – SARS CoV-2 (Omicron, Delta, Wuhan variant), Betacoronavirus 1 (OC43) (ATCC VR-1558), Human coronavirus 229E (ATCC VR-740), Influenza A (H1N1) (ATCC VR-1469), Influenza A (H3N2) (ATCC VR-1679), Human Poliovirus type 1 (LSc-2ab), Human Adenovirus type 5 (ATCC VR-5), and Murine Norovirus (S99).
Under bespoke services, our experts are adept at accommodating and meeting clients’ requirements suitable to their product design and chemistries.
To get a quote for antiviral efficacy tests as per ISO 18184 and JIS L 1922 and to enquire about our services, please contact our expert and get a free consultation.
