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ISO 20743: 2013

Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Textile Products
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Quick understanding about test

ISO 20743: 2013 Test Protocol – Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Textile Products

Purpose

This test evaluates the effectiveness of an antibacterial-treated fabric in reducing or eliminating bacteria.

Application

Applicable to all textile products including clothing, wadding, home furnishings and more. See all

Mandatory test strains

  • Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P)
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352).
View Additional Available Test Strains

Methodology

  • Preparation of the test strain culture with a known count of bacteria
  • Inoculation of the fabric material with test strains using one of the suitable methods viz.  Absorption, Transfer, or Printing.
  • Maintenance of the desired contact time
  • Neutralization of antibacterial activity of the fabric and enumeration of the live bacteria using plate count method.

Benefits

  • Helps manufacturers comply with international regulations
  • Provides reproducible data on products claims and efficacy
Turnaround Time
Typically takes 6-7 days.
Results
The antibacterial activity is calculated by comparing the number of viable bacteria on the treated and untreated samples.
Passing criteria
Determined by log reduction in the count of viable bacteria. The higher the log reduction, the greater the antibacterial efficacy.

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Know more about the test

Abstract

ISO 20743 is a widely recognized quantitative test method for determining the antibacterial efficacy of textiles treated with antibacterial finishes. These textiles enhance hygiene and reduce infection risks in critical areas such as healthcare facilities and public spaces. By performing this test, manufacturers can validate their products’ antibacterial properties, ensuring they meet quality standards and provide enhanced consumer protection.

Products that can be tested

ISO 20743 test method applies to all textile products regardless of the type of antibacterial agents. It includes –

  • Clothes 
  • Waddings 
  • Threads
  • Bedclothes
  • Home furnishings
  • and miscellaneous goods.

Test organisms

  • 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 tested on request.

Test procedure

A. Test requirement

  • Test Samples: 6 antibacterial-treated fabrics and 6 control (untreated) fabrics.
  • Sterilization: All test samples must be sterilized to avoid contamination.

B. Preparation

Inoculation: Test bacterial suspension of a known titre is inoculated onto the sample material. Three different inoculation methods are available to determine the antibacterial activity of the treated textiles.

1. Absorption method

Inoculation: Test bacterial suspension is directly inoculated onto the test specimens.

2. Transfer method

Inoculation: Bacterial suspension is inoculated on agar plates and then transferred to the textile specimens.

3. Printing method

Printing Bacteria: Test bacteria are printed onto specimens using a filter.
At MIS, our experts use the “absorption method” to determine the antibacterial activity of treated samples.

C. Incubation

1. Zero-minute titre determination

Both control and treated samples (3 each) are immediately washed with 20 ml of neutralizing media (Soya Casein Digest Lecithin Polysorbate Broth, SCDLP) after bacterial inoculation.

2. Extended incubation

The remaining six specimens (3 control and 3 testing samples) are incubated at 37°C ± 2°C for 18 to 24 hours with the test bacterial suspension.

3. Neutralization

After incubation, the reaction is stopped by adding 20 ml of neutralizing media (SCDLP) to the tubes, followed by shaking to ensure proper mixing.

4. Enumeration

  • Test Samples: 6 antibacterial-treated fabrics and 6 control (untreated) fabrics.
  • Sterilization: All test samples must be sterilized to avoid contamination.

Passing Criteria

The standard protocol does not mention a specific log reduction value. However, the product can be considered to pass the test if it shows a log reduction of 2 and above.

Importance of ISO 20743 

ISO 20743 is a crucial textile industry standard. It helps manufacturers ensure that textiles provide effective antibacterial protection. This is vital for products to be used in healthcare, sportswear, and daily clothing to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, which can cause odors, stains, and fabric deterioration.

Benefits of performing the test

Standardized validation: The standard provides a reliable test method thus ensuring accuracy in results.

Consumer confidence: Tested products increase consumer trust and confidence through scientific validation of product claims.

Regulatory compliance: The test helps meet the requirements of various regulatory bodies, thus ensuring compliance.

Competitive advantage: Tested products have an edge over other similar products thus increasing product sales among health-conscious consumers.

Quality control: The standard testing protocol enhances internal quality control processes, ensuring high product standards.

Related test method

ISO 20743 and JIS L 1902 are the most commonly used test methods to determine the antimicrobial activity of textile clothes. These two methods are very identical technically but are named by two different organizations. JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) and ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. At MIS, we perform both of these test methods to check the efficacy of antibacterial-treated clothes.

How can MIS help?

At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we specialize in ISO 20743 testing, helping you verify the antibacterial performance of your textile products. Our state-of-the-art testing facilities and expert team provide comprehensive, reliable, and accurate evaluations, ensuring your products are safe, effective, and compliant with international standards.
To learn more about our ISO 20743 antimicrobial testing services or to schedule a consultation, please contact our specialists today.

Frequently Asked Questions

DR. Martinoz Scholtz

MIS Labs
1. What is the ISO 20743 test?

ISO 20743 is a ‘quantitative test’ used to determine the efficacy of antibacterial textile products in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

2. What types of textile products can be tested using this standard?

This test method applies to all textile products such as cloth, wadding, thread, bedclothes, home furnishings, and miscellaneous goods.

3. What is the turnaround time for this test?

It takes 7-8 days to complete the test.

4. What specific bacteria are targeted in this test?

At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we perform this test 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 tested on request.

5. How does this test measure the antibacterial activity of textiles?

The antibacterial activity is measured using the absorption method wherein the reduction of bacterial colonies on treated textiles is compared to that on untreated controls.

6. How frequently should textile products be tested for regulatory compliance?

Testing frequency is not specified in the standard. However, regular testing is recommended to continue compliance and efficacy.

7. What is the criteria for a textile product to pass the test?

Textile products must show a significant decrease ( 2 log reduction or above) in bacterial load on the test fabric compared to the control fabric to pass this test.

8. Can I use this test to compare the efficacy of different antibacterial treatments on textiles?

Yes. This test can be used to compare the antibacterial efficacy of various treatments by assessing their antibacterial activity against a standard control.

9. What data will I receive after the test is completed?

The test report shall include details on the test procedure, bacterial reduction percentages, log reduction values, and overall antibacterial activity of the tested textile.

10. Can the test results be used to support product claims and regulatory compliance?

Yes. The results provide scientifically validated data that can substantiate antibacterial claims and help meet regulatory requirements for product efficacy and safety.

11. What are the benefits of certifying textile products according to the standard?

Certification enhances product credibility, aids in regulatory compliance, and provides a competitive market advantage.

12. Are there any considerations to keep in mind when interpreting the test results?

Variations in test conditions, potential neutralizer effectiveness, and the specific bacterial strains used must be considered while interpreting results.

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