ASTM E1153: 2014

Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Sanitizers Recommended for Inanimate, Hard, Non-porous, and Non-food Contact Surfaces

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Quick understanding of the test

ASTM E1153: 2014 - Standard Test Method for Efficacy of Sanitizers Recommended for Inanimate, Hard, Non-porous, and Non-food Contact Surfaces

ASTM E1153 is a quantitative method for determining the antimicrobial effectiveness of sanitizers on inanimate, pre-cleaned, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces.

Application

This test applies to chemical sanitizers and one-step cleaner sanitizers intended for lightly soiled surfaces.
  • 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.

Turnaround Time

The test typically takes 1โ€“2 weeks to complete.
Results are expressed as log reduction, indicating the percentage reduction of microorganisms.

Passing criteria

Products must demonstrate a significant log10 reduction in microbial load to pass the test.

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Abstract

ASTM E1153 is a standard test method approved by the EPA for determining the antimicrobial effectiveness of sanitizers intended for use on inanimate, precleaned, hard, nonporous, and non-food contact surfaces. This quantitative research method assesses the antimicrobial efficacy of products by quantifying the percent reduction of test microbes. The method is capable of monitoring short contact times, up to 15 seconds.

Test Organisms

Organisms typically used in this method:  Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017)

Test method

  • Microbial culture is inoculated on test surfaces and is left to dry out. 5 test carriers are required for ASTM E1153 testing. 
  • Product samples are added on to pre-inoculated test surfaces for specific contact periods.
  • After the contact time, test surfaces are transferred into a neutralizing solution.
  • Aliquots of neutralized suspension are used for the enumeration of viable microorganisms by plate count method.
  • Microbial counts on test surfaces are compared with control (initial bacterial concentrations) which are run in parallel.

Benefits of ASTM E1153

Ensures public health and safety

  • The standard promotes safer environments by creating a framework to measure sanitizer efficacy, essential for schools, offices, and public places to minimize the spread of diseases.

Supports product development and improvement

  • This test method serves as an important tool during product development by aiding manufacturers in optimizing their formulations to achieve higher efficacy rates.

Facilitates regulatory compliance

  • Compliance with this standard enables manufacturers to secure regulatory approvals quickly and consequently reduce time to market.

Enhances market competitiveness

  • Certification based on this test increases product credibility and consumer trust, providing a competitive edge.

Serves as a basis for quality control

  • Standard testing helps manufacturers identify performance variations thus ensuring uniformity in product quality.

Encourages innovation in antimicrobial technologies

  • High testing demands drive the development of advanced antimicrobial formulations.

Reduces environmental impact

  • Effective products which meet the standard requirements minimize chemical usage and environmental impact.

Conclusion

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

MIS Labs
1. What is the ASTM E1153 test?

ASTM E1153 is a quantitative antimicrobial efficacy test method designed to evaluate sanitizer formulations for inanimate, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces.

2. What is the turnaround time for ASTM E1153 test?

The test takes 1-2 weeks to complete.

3. How many microbial strains can your ASTM E1153 testing lab accommodate?

At Microbe Investigations, 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).

4. Why is this test important for evaluating sanitizer efficacy on hard surfaces?

This test provides a standardized method to evaluate sanitizer efficacy on non-food contact surfaces, ensuring effective microbial reduction.

5. What types of products are tested using ASTM E1153?

Products tested include chemical sanitizers and one-step cleaner-sanitizer formulations intended for use on lightly soiled, inanimate, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces.

6. Can this test be performed on all types of non-porous 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.

7. What are the specific steps involved in this test?

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.
8. What are the acceptance criteria for a product to pass this test?

To pass this test, a product must demonstrate a significant reduction in test organisms on treated samples compared to untreated samples (control).

9. How are the test results interpreted?

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.

10. How frequently should products be tested according to this standard?

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.

11. What are the challenges faced during this test?

Some of the challenges associated with this test method include maintaining consistent test conditions, ensuring accurate and reproducible results, and managing potential contamination. Additionally, modifications may be needed for testing different types of products or surfaces which can complicate the procedure.

12. How does this test enhance product quality?

The test contributes to product quality and safety by providing a reliable method to verify the antimicrobial efficacy of sanitizers. This ensures that products are effective in reducing microbial contamination on non-food contact surfaces, thereby protecting public health and maintaining high standards of hygiene.

13. What regulatory bodies recognize ASTM E1153 testing for product compliance?

This standard is recognized by several regulatory bodies across the world which set standards for testing the efficacy of sanitizers.

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