ASTM E3179-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determining Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation against Influenza Virus on Fabric Carriers with Simulated Soil — a short procedural standard that specifies test conditions, terminology, and protocols to evaluate the ability of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices to inactivate influenza virus deposited on fabric carriers in the presence of simulated soiling agents.

Abstract

This test method defines procedures to (1) measure delivered UVGI dose, (2) determine reductions in viable influenza virus on inanimate fabric carriers, and (3) evaluate the impact of soiling agents on UVGI antimicrobial performance. It is specific to influenza viruses, includes guidance for adjusting UVGI dose (Annex A1), and contains safety guidance for handling certain UV sources (for example, mercury-containing lamps). The method is intended for trained microbiology personnel operating under appropriate biosafety guidance.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: Last updated Feb 12, 2025 (designated E3179-25).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 07.100.01 (biological sciences / microbiology-related standards).
• Edition / version: E3179-25 (current active); previous listed version E3179-18.
• Number of pages: 6.

Scope

The standard establishes test conditions for evaluating UVGI light devices (including mercury vapor bulbs, LEDs, and xenon arc lamps) intended to inactivate influenza virus on inanimate fabric carriers. It defines terminology and methodology for the UV spectrum and UVGI dose assessment, specifies considerations for soiling agents that reduce surface kill effectiveness, and provides dose‑adjustment protocols (Annex A1). The method does not address shadowing effects and is intended for users trained in microbiology and in accordance with CDC BMBL biosafety guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Evaluation of UVGI device antimicrobial efficacy against influenza virus on fabric carriers.
• Measurement and reporting of delivered UVGI dose and associated units (SI units specified).
• Assessment of the effect of simulated soil/soiling agents (e.g., mucin, sebum) on UVGI performance and inclusion of protocols to adjust dose accordingly (Annex A1).
• Safety and handling considerations for UV sources (explicit warning about mercury-containing lamps and need for SDS/regulatory compliance).
• Limitations: method is specific to influenza viruses and does not address shadowing; intended for trained laboratories.

Typical use and users

Typical users include virology and environmental microbiology laboratories, manufacturers and testers of UVGI disinfection devices, infection prevention professionals evaluating surface decontamination, and regulatory or certification bodies assessing device claims. The standard supports product development, comparative performance testing, and research studies (including interlaboratory/precision studies previously conducted to support E3179).

Related standards

Related documents include the previous version E3179-18, other ASTM E35 committee standards addressing microbiological and decontamination test methods, and research reports used to establish precision (for example, RR:E35-1012). The standard is developed by Subcommittee E35.15 and is published in Book of Standards Volume 11.08.

Keywords

UVGI, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, influenza virus, fabric carriers, simulated soil, soiling agents, UV dose, antimicrobial efficacy, ASTM E3179-25, Annex A1, biosafety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E3179-25 is a standardized test method that specifies how to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) devices against influenza virus deposited on fabric carriers in the presence of simulated soil.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test conditions, terminology, measurement of delivered UVGI dose, evaluation of the effect of soiling agents on UVGI performance, and provides dose-adjustment protocols (Annex A1). It is limited to influenza viruses and does not address shadowing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Microbiology and virology testing laboratories, UVGI device manufacturers, infection control professionals, and regulatory agencies use it for product testing, research, and verification of device performance claims. Interlaboratory/research reports have been produced to support its precision and application.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is the current active version (E3179-25), last updated Feb 12, 2025; a prior version is E3179-18. Users should verify the active status before relying on the method for certification or regulatory purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The standard was developed by ASTM Subcommittee E35.15 and is published within Book of Standards Volume 11.08; it sits alongside other ASTM E35 standards addressing biological and decontamination testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: UVGI, ultraviolet, influenza, antiviral efficacy, fabric carriers, simulated soil, UV dose, antimicrobial testing, E3179-25.