ASTM G22 : 1996

Standard method for determining resistance of plastic to bacteria

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Quick understanding of the test

ASTM G22 : 1996 - Standard method for determining resistance of plastic to bacteria

ASTM G22 test determines the resistance of plastic materials impregnated with antibacterial agents to bacterial growth under specific conditions.
Applicable to various plastic products, including fabricated articles, tubes, rods, sheets, coatings, and film materials.

Mandatory test strains

  • Procedure A: Test samples are placed on nutrient-salts agar plates inoculated with bacteria and incubated for 21 days, after which bacterial growth inhibition is examined.
  • Procedure B: Test samples are sandwiched between pre-inoculated agar layers for full contact and incubated similarly, followed by growth inhibition assessment.

Turnaround Time

The test typically takes 4-5 weeks to complete.
Qualitative analysis reveals whether the material inhibits or supports bacterial growth.

Passing criteria

The absence of bacterial growth confirms the productโ€™s compliance with the standard.

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Abstract

The ASTM G22 “Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Plastics to Bacteria” provides the worldwide basis for establishing a measure of bacteria resistance in plastics. This standard provides procedures for  determining   the resistance of plastics exposed to different strains of bacteria.  It serves as the benchmark for assessing plastic products against loss of integrity, performance, and longevity due to microbial degradation. 

Scope of ASTM G22 Testing

  • Purpose โ€“ Evaluate the resistance of plastics to microbial attack, particularly from bacteria that may degrade or colonize the material.
  • Application โ€“ Used for plastics materials, and other environments where bacterial contamination is a concern.
  • Test Method โ€“ ASTM G22 standard comprises two procedures, A & B for determining the efficacy of antibacterial-treated plastics. 
  •  Products covered – fabricated articles, tubes, rods, sheets, coatings, and film materials.

Importance of ASTM G22 Test

Antimicrobial plastic materials have a range of benefits, such as providing antimicrobial protection, infection prevention, and preserving the durability and life span of material.

Thereby, antimicrobial testing is a crucial step to follow during manufacturing of antimicrobial plastic products to ensure the resilience of materials against harmful microorganisms before final applications.

ASTM G22 helps to determine if antimicrobial plastic material is capable of killing or hindering the growth of microorganisms under specific conditions.

Benefits of ASTM G22 Test

  • Quality Assurance: Assists manufacturers striving to achieve compliance with various industry benchmarks, including microbial resistance, to maintain product performance.
  • Environmental Suitability: Confirms plastics’ viability in bacterial-prone instances, including high humidity or nutrient-rich environments.
  • Cost Saving: Lowers the likelihood of product failure, recall, and replacement due to bacterial damage.
  • Supports Compliance & Quality Control โ€“ Helps manufacturers meet industry standards for bacteria-resistant materials, ensuring regulatory adherence.

Plastic materials that can be tested using ASTM G22

  • fabricated articles,
  • tubes, 
  • rods, 
  • Sheets,
  • coatings,
  • and film materials.

ASTM G22 test method

ASTM G22 standard comprises two procedures, A & B for determining the efficacy of antibacterial-treated plastics. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) is a mandatory microorganism for performing the test.

Procedure A

Test sample is placed on the surface of nutrient-salts agar plates that have already been inoculated with test microorganisms. Plates are examined for bacterial growth inhibition after 21 days of incubation.

Procedure B

Herein, complete contact of the test sample and bacterial inoculum is achieved by placing the test sample sandwiched between the nutrient-salts agar pre-inoculated with test bacteria. Similar to procedure A, plates are examined for bacterial growth inhibition after 21 days of incubation.

Conclusion

At MIS, we conduct ASTM G22 testing to evaluate the bacterial resistance of plastics, ensuring compliance with international standards. Our advanced laboratory setups and experienced microbiologists perform precise test analyses with expert data interpretation.

MIS also offers Antifungal Resistance Testing (ASTM G21) for plastics and synthetic polymeric materials.

For a quote on ASTM G22 testing or to learn more about our capabilities, contact our experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions

DR. Martinoz Scholtz

MIS Labs
1. What is ASTM G22 test?

ASTM G22 standard specifies a qualitative test method for determining the antibacterial resistance of additives impregnated in plastic materials.

2. What are the Products that can be tested with ASTM G22 test?

ASTM G22 test is applicable to plastic materials available in different product forms such as 

fabricated articles, tubes, rods, sheets, coatings, and film materials.

3. What is the Turnaround Time for ASTM G22 test?

ASTM G22 test takes 4-5 weeks to complete.

4. On how many microbial strains can your ASTM G22 testing lab perform tests on?

At Microbe Investigations, we test for  ASTM G22 using the Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442). Additional strains can be added as per customer request.

5. What role do plastic additives play in bacterial resistance?

Plastic additives enhance bacterial resistance by inhibiting microbial growth and preventing surface degradation.

6. Can ASTM G22 test method be used for quality control in manufacturing?

Yes, ASTM G22 can be used for quality control in manufacturing.

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