- Swiss testing laboratory
ASTM E3031
Hassle-free testing experience
Need to get a product tested? No worries! To and fro logistics are on us; we collect your products, test them and, deliver them back to you.
Related tests for you
Quick understanding about test
ASTM E3031 - Determination of Antibacterial Activity on Ceramic Surfaces
- Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739)
- Prehydrated treated and untreated samples are placed in sterile petri plates.
- Samples are inoculated with test suspension and incubated at 35°C for 2 hours.
- After incubation, samples are neutralized.
- Followed by serial dilution and plating to enumerate microorganisms recovered in neutralizing solution.
- Ensures reliable antibacterial evaluation of ceramic surfaces.
- Aids in developing effective antibacterial ceramics.
Turnaround Time
The antibacterial efficacy is determined by calculating the log reduction in bacterial counts between treated and untreated samples.
Passing criteria
Bacteriostatic: Log reduction of test = control.
Bactericidal: Log reduction of test > control.
Partial inhibition – If the log reduction is less than the control but greater than 0.5, it shows partial inhibition.
Do you have a product that needs testing?
Abstract
ASTM E3031 is a standard test method that determines the antibacterial efficacy of ceramic surfaces designed to inhibit or eliminate bacterial growth. It is a quantitative assessment protocol performed under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. The standardized test method ensures accurate and reliable results, enabling manufacturers to validate the performance of their products against bacterial growth.
Scope and Applications of ASTM E3031 Test Method
The test method is particularly applicable to glazed ceramic titles that are widely used in industries, such as healthcare, hospitality, and public facilities, to ensure hygienic environments.
Bacterial strains used for ASTM E3031
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). Additional strains can be added on request.
ASTM E3031 Test Method
- Prehydrated test (treated) and control (untreated) samples are placed in sterile petri plates.
- Bacterial suspension is evenly spread over the samples and a polyethylene film is placed on the top of the inoculum to ensure even contact with the sample surface.
- Inoculated samples are incubated for 24 hours at 35°C.
- Immediately after incubation, samples are transferred into a sterile jar containing a neutralizer. The mixture is shaken vigorously for approximately 1 minute.
- The neutralizing extract is serial diluted and plated using the spread plate or pour plate technique.
- Plates are incubated at 35 °C for 24 h.
- The number of colony-forming units is determined and the antibacterial efficacy is assessed by comparing the log reduction in bacterial counts between treated versus untreated samples.
Passing criteria:
- If log reduction of test = control, the sample is bacteriostatic.
- If log reduction of test > control, the sample is bactericidal.
- If the log reduction is less than the control but greater than 0.5, the sample shows partial inhibition.
Importance of ASTM E3031 Test Standard
Test standards like the ASTM E2180 and ISO 22196, designed to assess the antimicrobial properties of surface materials, do not consider the glaze composition of ceramic surfaces. The glaze composition usually varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and the type of material used such as tin, silver or copper can also negatively impact the test results.
Additionally, dedication is another common problem faced while testing ceramics. These limitations have been addressed by ASTM E3031. The glaze composition issue is overcome by using a control tile that is capable of supporting microbial growth. To overcome desiccation problems, the standard prescribes pre-hydrating the tile by placing it on a moistened wipe and incubating for 18 to 24 hours prior to testing.
These additions to the test standard make it specifically applicable to testing the antibacterial efficacy of ceramic surfaces.
Conclusion
ASTM E3031 offers a standard approach for evaluating the antibacterial properties of ceramic surfaces. It provides reliable and accurate results by addressing unique challenges posed by ceramic surfaces, thus supporting manufacturers, regulators, and consumers in achieving higher standards of hygiene and safety.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we provide ASTM E3031 testing services to support the development and validation of antibacterial ceramic surfaces. With our state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, we ensure reliable and compliant results. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule your testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ASTM E3031 is a standard test method used to evaluate the efficacy of ceramic surfaces impregnated with antibacterial agents.
ASTM E3031 test method is applicable for the ceramic surfaces used on floors, walls, and slabs in personnel, commercial, and healthcare spaces.
ASTM E3031 test takes 3-4 days to complete.
At Microbe Investigations, we understand the need for accuracy and speed. We test for ASTM E3031 using the following bacteria: 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), Candida Albicans (MTCC 3017). Additional strains can be added on request.
Yes, the test is designed exclusively for glazed ceramic surfaces with integrated antimicrobial treatments.
Manufacturers of glazed ceramic titles that are widely used in industries, such as healthcare, hospitality, and public facilities, to ensure hygienic environments require this test.
Logarithmic reduction refers to the decrease in bacterial populations on treated surfaces compared to untreated controls. A higher log reduction indicates greater antibacterial efficacy.
The standard specifies sample dimensions of 50 mm x 50 mm ±1 mm2.
Meet the best of the blend of
R&D, Efficacy Testing,
Innovation and Passionate
Experts at MIS.
Explore More
Modern industry is based on
With the increasing awareness on
Interior coatings and plastics which
The ISO 21702 evaluates the
