ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Quantitative Petri Plate Method (QPM) for Determining the Effectiveness of Antimicrobial Towelettes
 N E2896

Annotation

This test method provides detailed instructions for performing a quantitative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of a towelette when challenged against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. The method may be used with other microbial strains, though modification may be necessary to accommodate recovery.

Antimicrobial towelettes, designed to decontaminate hard, non-porous surfaces, are diverse in size, matrix composition, and packaging.

Antimicrobial towelettes also vary in label claims and use directions.

This quantitative method does not differentiate between mechanical removal of inoculum from a surface and chemical inactivation of the test microbe; rather, product efficacy is considered a combination of both attributes of a towelettebased formulation.

It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether Good Laboratory Practices (GLP Standards-40 CFR, Part 160 of FIFRA) are required and to follow them when appropriate.

This standard may involve the use of hazardous materials, chemicals and infectious microorganisms and should be performed only by persons with formal training in microbiology.

Strict adherence to the protocol is necessary for the validity of the test results.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

This standard does not address specific product performance standards established by regulatory authorities; see Section 10, Note 2 for details.