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ASTM E2274 : 2016 – Evaluation of Laundry Sanitizers and Disinfectants
ASTM E2274 standard provides guidelines for assessing the antimicrobial properties of laundry sanitizers and disinfectants that are used in top-loading automatic clothes washing machines. This test method is designed to test laundry sanitizers and disinfectants against vegetative bacteria but can also be adapted to test for fungi and viruses.
ASTM E2274 test is designed to complement test method ASTM E2406 and is supposed to be the worst-case scenario for product’s usage.
Test Conditions & Requirement
Test organism (Bacterial strains)
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352)
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)
- Other test organisms as per the product manufacturer
Contact time
Contact time will be decided based on the practical application of the disinfectant and sanitizer and will be specified by the manufacturer.
Interfering substance
- Clean conditions – No organic interfering substances are used.
- Dirty conditions – 5% Defibrinated heat-inactivated bovine serum or a mixture of tryptone, bovine serum albumin, and mucin.
Acceptance criteria:
- To pass the test, the product must exhibit at least 4 log reduction in the count of bacteria and mycobacteria and at least 3 log reduction in the count of fungal spores and yeast.
The results of the test are expressed as a percentage reduction of test organisms on carrier fabric and wash water in relation to the control.
ASTM E2274 Test Method
- Three sterile fabric carriers are inoculated with 0.03 ml of test inoculum.
- The carriers are dried in an incubator at 35 ± 2 °C for approximately 30 minutes.
- The dried inoculated carriers are then aseptically transferred into the folding of a single-wrapped spindle.
- The spindle is aseptically transferred into a sterile exposure chamber.
- The fabric carriers are removed from the spindle and placed into a neutralizing broth.
- Wash water is added to the neutralizing broth and agitated. This step completes the exposure time.
- The total volume of wash water containing neutralizing broth is filtered. The filtrate is plated and incubated on agar plates to enumerate the remaining viable bacteria.
- The results are reported as growth (+) and growth (-).
- Gram staining and streaking techniques are used for the identification of the bacteria
Sub-method for testing sanitizer efficacy:
- The neutralizing broth and the neutralized wash water are separately serially diluted.
- Both sets of dilutions are plated on agar plates and incubated for 48 ± 2 hours at 35 ± 2 °C.
- Following incubation, the colonies are counted and the number of organisms on the test fabric carriers and in wash water is compared to control and the percentage of microbial reduction is deduced.
Importance of ASTM E2274 Test
Fabrics used in medical areas, laboratories, and pharmaceutical industries are likely to be contaminated due to considerable levels of soiling including blood, urine, and sweat. These contaminants are capable of supporting the growth of harmful microorganisms thus increasing the chances of infections and cross-contamination. Hence, it is essential to clean these fabrics before use. This test validates the antimicrobial efficacy of laundry sanitizer or disinfectant products used to clean the fabrics.
Advantages of ASTM E2274 Test
- Standard methodology: Standard methodology ensures consistent testing of laundry sanitizers and disinfectants for efficacy and reliability.
- Comprehensive evaluation: The method evaluates product effectiveness in reducing or eliminating microbial populations on fabrics as well as in wash water.
- Relevance to real-world conditions: The test simulates actual laundry conditions, making the results more relevant and applicable to real-world usage scenarios.
- Regulatory compliance: Compliance ensures meeting regulatory requirements, gaining market approval, and maintaining consumer trust.
- Public health and safety: Testing contributes to the control of infections and contamination by ensuring the effectiveness of laundry sanitizers and disinfectants.
- Flexibility in microbial testing: Various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can be tested using the standard thus allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the antimicrobial properties of the product.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we offer a wide range of antimicrobial testing services for all kinds of disinfectant and sanitary products under one roof. We focus on giving genuine and affordable services to our clients while maintaining excellence. Our team of experts performs the tests completely in accordance with standard operating protocols and keeps track of test activities to provide coherent test results.
To get more information on ASTM E2274 testing, get a free consultation from our experts.
FAQs
ASTM E2274 provides a test method for the evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of a test reagent or formulation of laundry sanitizers and disinfectants used to disinfect contaminated fabrics.
ASTM E2274 test is designed for laundry detergents, additives, and sanitizers used in top-loading automatic clothes washing processes.
It takes 4-6 weeks to complete this test.
At Microbe Investigations, we perform this test using the following bacterial strains: Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442).
The purpose of this test is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of laundry sanitizers and disinfectants for use in top-loading automatic clothes washing operations.
The test measures the reduction in bacterial population on the fabric to assess the effectiveness of the laundry disinfectant.
The performance criteria include the reduction in the bacterial count on the fabric and in the wash water following a single wash.
The test ensures laundry sanitizers and disinfectants are effective in reducing microbial load on fabrics thus reducing infection and contamination risks.
The benefits of this test include ensuring the safety of the product and meeting regulatory compliance.
Commonly tested materials: bleached, desized cotton print cloth, plain-weave, no bluing or optical brighteners.
Yes, this test can be used/pertains to both residential as well as commercial laundry products.
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