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ASTM E1153: 2022
Test method for Non-food Contact Surfaces Sanitizers
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Summary
ASTM E1153 standard helps to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of sanitizers and one-step cleaner-sanitizers intended to be used on pre-cleaned, hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces. The test measures microbial reduction against specified bacterial strains after a defined contact time and incubation conditions. ASTM E1153 test data help manufacturers validate product performance and support regulatory submissions needed before market launch.
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM E1153: 2022 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Sanitizers Recommended for Inanimate, Hard, Non-porous, and Non-food Contact Surfaces
Application
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P)
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352)
- Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048)
- Microbial culture is inoculated on test surfaces and allowed to dry.
- Inoculated test surfaces are challenged with the test product sample for a specific contact time.
- After the contact time, test surfaces are transferred into a neutralizing solution.
- The neutralized suspension is plated and further incubated.
- The viable microorganisms are enumerated using plate count method.
- Provides a standardized approach to validate the effectiveness of sanitizers in eliminating pathogens
- Assists manufacturers in ensuring their products meet safety standards, which is crucial for consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
Turnaround Time
Passing criteria
Products must demonstrate a higher log reduction in microbial load in comparison to the initial bacterial concentration controls to pass the test.
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What is ASTM E1153 ?
ASTM E1153 is a standard test method for evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of sanitizers used on precleaned, inanimate, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces. This quantitative method is also applicable to one-step cleaner-sanitizer formulations intended for lightly soiled surfaces, ensuring products meet performance claims for microbial reduction.
Mandatory Test Organisms
Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048)
Test Method
- Sterilized glass or other nonporous test squares (carriers) are inoculated with a known volume of bacterial suspension
- Inoculated surfaces are dried under controlled lab conditions.
- The test product is added onto pre-inoculated test surfaces for specific contact periods.
- After the contact time, the test carriers are transferred into a neutralizing solution to halt sanitizer activity.
- Neutralized samples are plated on nutrient agar or tryptic soy agar and incubated.
- Number of colonies is enumerated to determine the percent reduction and compared to controls (initial bacterial concentrations), which are run in parallel.
ASTM E1153 vs other standards
Parameters | ASTM E1153 | ASTM E1053 | ASTM E1052 |
Purpose | Evaluates the antibacterial efficacy of sanitizers on hard, non-porous, non-food contact surfaces | Evaluates virucidal efficacy of disinfectants intended for inanimate, non porous surfaces | Evaluates the efficacy of antimicrobial agents against viruses in suspension |
Target microorganisms | Bacteria | Viruses | Viruses |
Test type | Quantitative carrier test | Carrier test | Suspension test |
Scope of products for testing | Surface sanitizers and one-step cleaner-sanitizers | Surface disinfectants with antiviral claims | Liquid disinfectants and antimicrobial formulations |
Typical products Tested | Surface sanitizers, institutional cleaners, commercial hygiene products | Disinfectants, liquids, trigger sprays, aerosols, mist, wipes etc | Liquid disinfectants, antiseptics, chemical formulations, active ingredients |
Result interpretation | Percent bacterial reduction | Viral infectivity reduction (log reduction) | Viral infectivity reduction (log reduction) |
Importance of ASTM E1153 Test
Sanitizers play a vital role in public health by reducing the spread of disease-causing microbes on surfaces commonly found in healthcare, transport, and public facilities. By simulating real-world contamination and cleaning conditions, ASTM E1153 confirms that products deliver reliable antimicrobial performance before reaching the market, giving both manufacturers and users confidence in their safety and effectiveness.
How MIS can help !
At MIS, our microbiology team professionals have extensive experience and expertise in designing ASTM E1153 protocol. Through our testing analysis services, our constant focus is on accuracy, precision, and quick turnaround times. MIS also offers ASTM E1053 test to help clients assess virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants used on inanimate and non-porous surfaces.
To get a quotation for ASTM tests for disinfectant efficacy, contact our experts now and get thorough consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
The test takes 1-2 weeks to complete.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we use the following bacterial and fungal strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708), Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017).
Yes.
Products tested include chemical sanitizers and one-step cleaner-sanitizer formulations intended for use on lightly soiled, inanimate, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces.
This test is designed for nonporous surfaces such as borosilicate glass, glazed glass, and stainless steel. Appropriate modifications may be required when evaluating spray-based or towelette-based antimicrobial products or other test surfaces not described in the method.
The test method involves the following steps-
- Preparation of test organism suspensions.
- Inoculation of sterile, nonporous test squares with the test organisms.
- Drying the inoculated test squares under controlled humidity conditions.
- Treating the inoculated squares with the sanitizer test solution.
- Neutralizing the sanitizer after a specified contact time.
- Plating the neutralized solutions to determine the number of surviving microorganisms.
- Incubating the plates and counting the colonies to assess the sanitizer’s efficacy.
To pass this test, a product must demonstrate a significant reduction in test organisms on treated samples compared to untreated samples (control).
The sanitizer’s efficacy is determined by comparing the number of microorganisms recovered from treated carriers to control carriers and calculating the log reduction in microbial growth. The results are reported in terms of the log reduction which corresponds to the percentage reduction in microbial load.
The frequency of testing is not specified in the standard and may depend on regulatory requirements, product development cycles and quality assurance protocols. Typically, products are tested during development, after formulation changes, and periodically to ensure continued efficacy.
ASTM E1153 is widely referenced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support antibacterial sanitizer efficacy data for applicable product registrations.
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