This procedure may be used to assess the in vitro reduction of a microbial population of test organisms after exposure to a test material.

1.1 This test method measures the changes of a population of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms within a specific sampling time when tested against antimicrobial test materials in vitro. The organisms used are standardized as to growth requirements and inoculum preparation and must grow under the conditions of the test. The primary purpose of this test method is to provide a set of standardized conditions and test organisms to facilitate comparative assessments of antimicrobial materials miscible in aqueous systems.

1.2 This test method allows the option of using a test sample size of 10 mL or 100 mL.

1.3 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for this procedure.

1.4 Aseptic technique should be practiced at all times.

1.5 In this test method, SI units are used for all applications, except for distance in which case inches are used and SI units follow in parentheses.

1.6 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.