This test method determined the efficacy of sporicidal agents on microorganisms dried on the surface of solid carriers.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications, this test method was withdrawn in January 2014 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

The quantitative micromethod described herein was designed to fulfill the following specifications:

4.1.1 To be quantitative (the number of viable spores loaded into carriers is determined by the spores quantitatively recovered in the controls),

4.1.2 Sensitive (sporicidal activity can be accurately measured up to 7 Log₁₀ inactivation, see Section 12),

4.1.3 Reproducible (standard deviation of spore killing is smaller than 1 Log and usually closer to ¹/₁₀ of a Log, see Section 12),

4.1.4 Rapid (except for the overnight culture, it can be completed within 4 h),

4.1.5 Economical (being a micromethod, it uses carriers, dishes, and plastic wares that are small, inexpensive, and disposable), and

4.1.6 Environmentally friendly (using a microlitre volume of disinfectant agent, the test method can be considered for all practical purposes as nondestructive).

1.1 This test method determines the efficacy of sporicidal agents on microorganisms dried on the surface of solid carriers.

1.2 This test method can be used to evaluate sporicidal products (or decontaminant, disinfectant, and so forth), suspected, claimed, or assumed to have sporicidal activity. This test method allows:

1.2.1 Establishing the sporicidal efficacy of different disinfectants;

1.2.2 Identifying the effect, if any, of the surface materials on sporicidal efficacy; and

1.2.3 Comparing the relative resistance to disinfection of different microbial species or strains.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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

1.5 Follow all the safety guidance of the institution in which the testing is being conducted. 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.