1.1 This guide provides users with an index of procedures in the form of test methods, practices, and related international documents that are currently used in the textile industry for determining antibacterial properties of antimicrobial treated textile articles. This guide is not considered as all-inclusive for antimicrobial testing procedures related to textiles.

1.2 This guide identifies some existing ASTM and other industry standard test methods applicable for testing the antibacterial performance on textiles and discusses options within each method that have been used to address specific end-use performance expectations in addition to measuring wash durability of such activity.

1.3 This guide is intended to assist testing facilities in determining which test methods are appropriate for which treated articles based on type of antimicrobial active involved (diffusible versus non-diffusible), nature of test fabric, and expected end use.

1.4 The test methods indicated in this guide should be performed only by those trained in microbiological techniques, are familiar with textile antimicrobial agents and with the end use exposures of the antimicrobial treated textile material.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.