Survival of bacterial pathogens on inanimate objects threatens to increase direct transmission of infection, ultimately raising susceptibility to chronic hospitalization and mortality. In order to avoid microbial contamination, antibacterial treatments are incorporated to maintain a sterile environment on surfaces and other non-porous materials.
ISO 22196 standard specifies antibacterial surface test. This test method is used to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial treated plastics and other non – porous materials.
Top Facts about ISO 22196
- ISO 22196 is a harmonized version of Japanese standard JIS Z 2801.
- Test quantifies antibacterial activity of antimicrobial treated plastics against test microorganisms over a contact period of 24 hours.
- ISO 22196 is not applicable to evaluate the effects and propagation of bacteria on plastics without antibacterial treatments.
- Test does not cover the impact of antibacterial treatments to protect against bad odour and biodeterioration.
Also Read: Top Facts about the JIS L 1902 Test Method
Summary of ISO 22196 Test
ISO 22196 test is performed by inoculating test bacteria on both treated and untreated samples. Inoculated surfaces are covered with a sterile film and incubated for 24 hours or recommended time period in a humid environment. After incubation, test surfaces are immediately transferred to a neutralizing solution to suppress bactericidal activity. Neutralizing extract is further plated and incubated to determine remaining viable cells.
Microbial Strains that are tested with ISO 22196
ISO 22196 test method uses the following two bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, for determining the bactericidal activity. However, testing can also be carried out using other bacterial species like MRSA, Pseudomonas, Salmonella etc depending upon manufacturer’s testing needs.
Products that can be tested with ISO 22196
ISO 22196 test is applicable to antibacterial-treated plastics, surfaces of products (including intermediate products) and other non-porous materials.
Also Read: ISO 18184 Test Method Explained
ISO 22196 Test Results
- ISO 22196 is a quantitative test and produces reliable and reproducible results.
- Test evaluates both bacteriostatic (growth-inhibiting) and bactericidal (bacteria-killing) efficacy of products.
- Test is performed in triplicates which helps in the demonstration of accuracy and precision of test results.
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