5.1 Substrate–bonded, antimicrobial agents are not typically free to diffuse into their environment under normal conditions of use. This test method ensures good contact between the bacteria and the treated fiber, fabric, or other substrate, by constant agitation of the test specimen in a challenge suspension during the test period.

5.2 The metabolic state of the challenge species can directly affect measurements of the effectiveness of particular antimicrobial agents or concentrations of agents. The susceptibility of the species to particular biocides could be altered depending on its life stage (cycle). One-hour contact time in a buffer solution allows for metabolic stasis in the population. This test method standardizes both the growth conditions of the challenge species and substrate contact times to reduce the variability associated with growth phase of the microorganism.

5.3 Leaching of an antimicrobial is dependent upon the test conditions being utilized and the ultimate end use of the product. Additional testing may be required to determine if a compound is substrate-bound in all conditions or during the end use of the product.

5.4 This test method cannot determine if a compound is leaching into solution or is immobilized on the substrate. This test method is only intended to determine efficacy as described in subsequent portions of the method.

5.5 The test is suitable for evaluating stressed or modified specimens, when accompanied by adequate controls.

Note 1: Stresses may include laundry, wear and abrasion, radiation and steam sterilization, UV exposure, solvent manipulation, temperature susceptibility, or similar physical or chemical manipulation.

1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of antimicrobial-treated specimens under dynamic contact conditions. This dynamic shake flask test was developed for routine quality control and screening tests in order to overcome difficulties in using classical antimicrobial test methods to evaluate substrate-bound antimicrobials. These difficulties include ensuring contact of inoculum to treated surface (as in AATCC TM100), flexibility of retrieval at different contact times, use of inappropriately applied static conditions (as in AATCC TM147), sensitivity, and reproducibility.

1.2 This test method allows for the ability to evaluate many different types of treated substrates and a wide range of microorganisms. Treated substrates used in this test method can be subjected to a wide variety of physical/chemical stresses or manipulations and allows for the versatility of testing the effect of contamination due to such things as hard water, proteins, blood, serum, various chemicals, and other contaminants.

1.3 Surface antimicrobial activity is determined by comparing results from the test sample to controls run simultaneously.

1.4 This test method may not be appropriate for all types of antimicrobial-treated articles or antimicrobial agents. The proper test methodology should be determined based on antimicrobial mode of action and end-use expectations (Guide E2922)

1.5 Proper neutralization of all antimicrobials must be confirmed using Test Methods E1054.

1.6 This test method should be performed only by those trained in microbiological techniques.

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

1.8 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 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.

1.9 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.