In the contemporary textile industry the development and application of antibacterial treatments on fabrics have become increasingly important. With the rising awareness of hygiene, health and the need to fight microbial threats the demand for textiles with effective antibacterial properties is growing.

This demand spans across various sectors including healthcare, sportswear, home textiles and more highlighting the importance of reliable testing methods to evaluate the efficacy of antibacterial treatments. Two standards in this domain are ISO 20743 and AATCC 100 each offering methodologies to analyze the antibacterial activity of textile products.

This article delves into these standards, exploring their principles, methodologies, similarities, differences and how to select the appropriate standard for testing.

What is ISO 20743?

ISO 20743 Test Method was developed by the International Organization for Standardization and provides quantitative methods for determining the antibacterial activity of textile products which includes a wide range of materials including nonwovens. The standard applies to all antibacterial-treated textile products irrespective of the nature of the antibacterial agent or the method of its application. ISO 20743 outlines three inoculation methods (absorption, transfer, and printing) and two quantitative measurement techniques (colony plate count method and ATP luminescence method) offering flexibility based on the textile’s application and environmental considerations.

What is AATCC 100? 

AATCC 100 Test Method was established by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. It focuses on the validation of antibacterial finishes on textile materials through a quantitative procedure. This method evaluates the degree of antibacterial activity by comparing the reduction of test bacteria on a treated fabric against an untreated control over a 24-hour exposure period. It is specifically designed for textiles where bactericidal (killing bacteria) or bacteriostatic (inhibiting bacterial growth) properties are implied or intended.

Similarities Between ISO 20743 and AATCC 100 Test Method

• Objective: Both standards aim to quantify the antibacterial activity on textiles ensuring the treated fabrics meet health and hygiene standards.
• Methodologies – Both the AATCC 100 and ISO 20743 tests are quantitative methods used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of textile products.
• Mandatory Test Strains: Each standard recommends testing against common bacteria strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae among others.
• Scope of Products: They are applicable to a broad range of textile products including those used in healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial applications.

Differences Between ISO 20743 and AATCC 100 Test Method

Origin of standard – 

• ISO 20743 has been created by the International Organization for Standardization to measure the antimicrobial activity of textile products. 
• AATCC 100 was created by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC). The AATCC 100 is an industry standard for the evaluation of textile products mainly focused on the North American market but also applicable to international markets.

Testing Method – 

• ISO 20743 outlines three distinct methods used for assessing antimicrobial activity in textiles: the absorption, transfer and printing methods. Each method is described in terms of how bacteria are applied to the fabric and the conditions under which the fabric is incubated. This content emphasizes the variety of techniques available for testing providing a broad overview of methodologies for specific standards.
• AATCC 100 focuses on a single standardized test explaining its purpose to compare treated and untreated fabric samples and highlighting factors that influence its outcomes such as fabric hydrophobicity. It evaluates both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities providing detailed information on the product efficiency.

Selecting the Right Standard: ISO 20743 vs AATCC 100

Selecting the appropriate standard depends on several factors including the textiles’ intended use, the specific antibacterial properties claimed and the target markets’ regulatory environment. ISO 20743 flexibility in testing methods makes it suitable for a wide array of applications and environmental conditions. In contrast AATCC 100 offers a straightforward approach for evaluating bactericidal or bacteriostatic finishes, particularly in contexts where these specific properties are critical.

Why choose MIS as your Testing Lab partner?

For manufacturers, researchers, and brands looking to ensure their textile products meet the highest standards of antibacterial efficacy Microbial Investigations.

MIS Switzerland offers comprehensive Testing and Validation Services. Leveraging expertise in both ISO 20743 and AATCC 100 standards. We can help you explore the complexities of antibacterial testing ensuring your products are not only compliant but also contribute to the well-being and safety of end users.

Contact us & explore our services today and take the first step towards certifying the antibacterial effectiveness of your textile products.