5.1 The procedure in this test method is used to evaluate the effectiveness of a test reagent (antimicrobial agent/active ingredient) or formulation to reduce or completely kill bacterial populations on contaminated fabrics and in wash water following a single wash under simulated low wash volume conditions. The water to fabric ratio in common front loading machines is dynamic and varies by region and machine used. The proper water to fabric ratio and temperature for the worse-case scenario for product use should be determined and documented prior to testing.

1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate sanitizing/disinfectant laundry detergents/additives for use in front loading high efficiency (HE) automatic clothes washing operations that typically utilize very low wash water volumes. This test method is designed to provide testing with representative vegetative bacteria but can also be designed to accommodate the testing of fungi and viruses.

1.2 This test method is intended to compliment Test Method E2274 and is to be used in the cases where this test method is determined to be the worse case scenario for product usage.

Note 1: Test Method E2274 is the recommended method to evaluate sanitizing/disinfectant laundry detergent/additives for use in traditional high wash water volume automatic clothes washing operations.

1.3 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for these procedures.

1.4 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are required and to follow them where appropriate (see section 40 CFR, 160 or as revised.

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

Note 2: In this test method, metric units are used for all applications, except for distance, in which case inches are used.

1.6 Appropriate modifications to the test method may be required when the testing organisms are not specified herein.

1.7 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.