ASTM E3160-18 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Quantitative Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Porous Antibacterial Treated Articles — a laboratory procedure to quantify bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity on porous materials (for example textiles and paper) treated with antimicrobial/biocidal agents.

Abstract

ASTM E3160-18 specifies inoculation, incubation, recovery, neutralization and enumeration steps to compare bacterial survival on treated porous articles versus untreated controls. The method is intended to measure percent- or log-reduction (bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects) under defined, low-nutrient conditions and includes controls and validation checks to improve inter‑laboratory reproducibility.

General information

• Status: Active (published edition E3160-18; revision work item initiated).
• Publication date: 2018 (current edition approved in 2018 / published 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 59.080.01 (Textiles in general).
• Edition / version: E3160-18.
• Number of pages: 6 pages (concise test method).

Scope

The method covers preparation and procedures to determine bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties of porous articles treated with active biocidal agents by inoculating defined suspensions of microorganisms, incubating under controlled conditions, then recovering and enumerating survivors for comparison with untreated material or with zero‑time recoveries. It is intended for porous materials such as textiles and paper and may be adapted for end‑use simulations as needed.

Key topics and requirements

• Test design: inoculation of small, defined specimen pieces and comparison of treated vs. untreated (or zero‑time) recoveries to calculate percent‑ or log‑reduction.
• Test organism(s): commonly uses Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) as an example test organism; method supports selection of appropriate organisms for the claim.
• Specimen handling: defined specimen mass/size and replicate counts; careful neutralization and recovery steps to avoid carryover of active biocide.
• Incubation and conditions: low‑nutrient challenge medium and controlled temperature/humidity for a specified incubation period (typical evaluations use 24 h as an endpoint).
• Reporting: percent reduction and/or log reduction between treated and control/zero‑time samples; include validation control results and any method modifications.
• Competence and safety: requires trained personnel and appropriate microbiology facilities; the method may involve hazardous materials and operations.

Typical use and users

Used by microbiology and materials testing laboratories, textile and paper manufacturers, product development teams, and quality control organizations to substantiate antimicrobial product claims or for routine QC. Also referenced by laboratories performing accreditation or conformity testing for treated porous articles.

Related standards

Commonly considered alongside other antimicrobial test methods and guides such as ISO 20743 (antibacterial activity on textiles), ISO 22196 (antibacterial activity on plastics/non‑porous surfaces), JIS L1902, AATCC test methods (for textiles), and ASTM Guide E2922 for antimicrobial test method selection and interpretation.

Keywords

antibacterial, antimicrobial, porous substrates, textiles, paper, bactericidal, bacteriostatic, percent reduction, log reduction, quantitative antibacterial assay.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E3160-18 is a quantitative laboratory test method to evaluate antibacterial properties (bactericidal or bacteriostatic) of porous treated articles such as textiles and paper.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It specifies specimen preparation, inoculation, incubation, neutralization and recovery/enumeration procedures to compare treated articles with appropriate controls and report percent or log reductions. It is intended to be adaptable for product‑specific modifications with proper documentation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, manufacturers of textiles and other porous products, product development and QC groups, and parties needing laboratory evidence to support antimicrobial performance claims.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The E3160-18 edition (2018) is the current published version; a formal ASTM work item to revise E3160-18 was initiated (WK90427) indicating planned development of a precision/bias statement and related ILS work. Users should check ASTM publications or committee updates for the latest status before citing the method.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is published under ASTM Committee E35 (Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents) and is referenced with other textile and antimicrobial standards and guides (for example, Guide E2922 and relevant ISO/AATCC/JIS methods).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, treated articles, porous substrates, textiles, paper, percent reduction, log reduction, bactericidal, bacteriostatic.