Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents, this test method was withdrawn in April 2024. This standard is being withdrawn without replacement due to its limited use by industry.

4.1 The procedure should be used to test the degerming effectiveness of antimicrobial hand washing products used by health care personnel that are intended for frequent use, and that are intended to reduce the level of contamination acquired through contact with contaminated objects or people.

4.2 Performance of these procedures requires the knowledge of regulations pertaining to the protection of human subjects (Ref 1).3

1.1 This test method can be used to determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial handwashing agents (including handrubs) in the reduction of transient bacterial flora with particular emphasis on the fingernail region.

1.2 A knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For more specific hazard statements, see 7.5.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.