ASTM E3135-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Determining Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Against Microorganisms on Carriers with Simulated Soil — a short ASTM practice that defines test conditions and methodology for evaluating ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices and the effect of soiling agents on antimicrobial effectiveness.

Abstract

This practice describes procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of UVGI sources (mercury vapor lamps, LEDs, xenon arc lamps, etc.) at reducing viable microorganisms deposited on inanimate carriers and to quantify delivered UVGI dose. It includes guidance on simulated soil (soiling agents) and test conditions while noting safety considerations for hazardous materials (for example, mercury-containing sources) and the need for trained personnel and appropriate biosafety practices.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: January 2, 2025.
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 07.100.01 (Microbiology in general).
• Edition / version: E3135-25
• Number of pages: 5.

Scope

The practice defines terminology, test conditions, and methodology for evaluating UVGI devices intended to kill or inactivate microorganisms on carriers and for assessing how soiling agents affect surface antimicrobial effectiveness. It specifies SI units, excludes shadowing effects, does not mandate specific test organisms or media (leaving selection to the user based on objectives), and recommends that testing be performed by personnel trained in microbiology and in accordance with applicable biosafety guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for UV spectrum and UVGI dose measurement.
• Methods to determine delivered UVGI dose to carriers and to quantify log reductions of viable microorganisms.
• Consideration and inclusion of simulated soil/soiling agents when evaluating surface efficacy.
• Requirements for trained microbiology personnel and adherence to biosafety guidance (for example, CDC BMBL).
• Safety advisory regarding hazardous materials such as mercury in some UV sources.

Typical use and users

Used by test laboratories, device manufacturers, infection control groups, researchers, and regulatory or compliance teams who need a standardized practice to evaluate surface antimicrobial performance of UVGI devices. Typical users have microbiology capability and familiarity with disinfectant/antimicrobial test methods and biosafety procedures.

Related standards

Related practices and test methods from ASTM E35 subcommittees covering antimicrobial and disinfectant efficacy, and other ASTM methods for surface challenge, biofilm testing, and UV dose measurement. Users often consult companion methods for organism selection, neutralization validation, and biofilm-specific protocols when designing a complete test plan.

Keywords

UVGI, ultraviolet, UV-C, germicidal, antimicrobial efficacy, carrier, simulated soil, soiling agent, dose measurement, UV dose, surface inactivation

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM E3135-25, a standard practice for determining antimicrobial efficacy of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation against microorganisms on carriers with simulated soil.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test conditions, terminology, dose measurement, and methods to evaluate the surface antimicrobial effectiveness of UVGI devices, including how simulated soil influences results. It does not prescribe specific test organisms or address shadowing effects.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Microbiology testing laboratories, UV device manufacturers, infection prevention professionals, researchers, and regulatory/compliance personnel conducting or overseeing surface antimicrobial evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — designated E3135-25 (published January 2, 2025) and listed as an active ASTM practice.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It was developed by ASTM Committee E35 (subcommittee E35.15) and sits alongside other E35 practices and methods addressing antimicrobial and disinfectant testing; users frequently reference companion ASTM methods for related testing scenarios.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UVGI, ultraviolet, UV-C, germicidal, antimicrobial efficacy, carrier, simulated soil, dose measurement, surface inactivation.