ASTM E2149-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions — a standardized dynamic shake‑flask procedure for evaluating the antimicrobial activity of treated substrates (particularly non‑leaching or substrate‑bound agents) by agitating test specimens in a microbial challenge suspension and measuring survival/reduction compared with controls.

Abstract

This test method specifies procedures to assess the antimicrobial performance of antimicrobial‑treated materials under dynamic contact conditions. The method is intended for routine quality control and screening of treated textiles, polymeric articles and other substrates where ensuring contact between organism and surface is essential. It includes provisions to detect leaching antimicrobials, to require proper neutralization where needed, and to permit testing of stressed or modified specimens with appropriate controls.

General information

• Status: Active (current standard, edition E2149-25).
• Publication date: 1 February 2025 (published Feb 2025 / 01/02/2025).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 07.100.01 (Microbiology in general); 19.040 (Environmental testing).
• Edition / version: E2149‑25.
• Number of pages: 5 pages (standard document length).

Scope

The standard is designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial‑treated specimens under dynamic contact (agitated) conditions. It is published for routine quality control and screening of substrate‑bound antimicrobials and describes controls and checks to identify leaching active agents, neutralization requirements, suitable challenge organisms, and acceptable test conditions and stresses (e.g., laundering, abrasion, sterilization) for specimen preparation. Guide E2922 and Test Method E1054 are referenced for methodology selection and neutralization confirmation where applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Dynamic shake‑flask test configuration ensuring continuous agitation to maximize contact between organism and treated surface.
• Defined challenge organisms and inoculum preparation, with recommended contact times (typical one‑hour contact in buffer for metabolic stasis) and recovery/enumeration procedures.
• Procedures to detect leaching/soluble antimicrobials (pre‑ and post‑test checks for zones of inhibition) and instructions for including appropriate neutralizers when leaching is present (referencing E1054).
• Allowance for testing stressed/treated specimens (laundry, UV, abrasion, sterilization) with appropriate controls to evaluate retention of activity after simulated use conditions.
• Requirements for trained personnel and laboratory biosafety practices; values stated in SI units.

Typical use and users

Used by microbiology and materials testing laboratories, textile and medical device manufacturers, product development teams, and quality assurance groups to screen and verify antimicrobial activity of surface‑treated products. Regulators and procurement/specification writers may reference the method when antimicrobial performance claims or specifications are required.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents include ASTM E1054 (confirmation of neutralizers), ASTM Guide E2922 (selection of antimicrobial test methods), and comparable static or textile methods such as AATCC TM100 and AATCC TM147 for context. The E2149 series replaces prior versions (E2149:20 and earlier) with the 2025 revision being the active edition.

Keywords

antimicrobial; antibacterial; shake‑flask; dynamic contact; non‑leaching; surface treatment; textile testing; neutralization; ASTM E2149‑25.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2149‑25 is a standardized laboratory test method that measures the antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial‑treated articles under dynamic (agitated) contact conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for preparing specimens and inocula, performing an agitated (shake‑flask) contact test, recovery and enumeration of survivors, checks for leaching agents, and requirements for neutralization and controls to ensure reliable, reproducible results.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Microbiology testing labs, manufacturers of antimicrobial‑treated textiles and surfaces, R&D and QC teams, and purchasers/specifiers who need a recognized method to substantiate antimicrobial performance claims.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the E2149‑25 edition (published Feb 1, 2025) is the active replacement for the earlier E2149:20 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — E2149 has a revision history (2001, 2010, 2013/13a, 2020 and 2025 versions) and is maintained by ASTM Committee E35 (subcommittee E35.15); it also cross‑references related ASTM test methods and guides (for example E1054 and E2922).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Antimicrobial, antibacterial, dynamic contact, shake‑flask, non‑leaching, surface‑treated substrates, textile testing, neutralization.