Test Criteria
The tests are conducted in accordance with recognized standards for which DAkkS accreditation has been obtained.
Test bacteria
- Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli
- Further test bacteria on request
Testing standards
- ASTM E 2149
- DIN EN ISO 20743
- ISO 22196
- Further tests according to international standards upon request
Hohenstein Laboratories tests the sample in accordance with ASTM E 2149 "Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions."
The quality label confirms that the test sample demonstrates antibacterial activity against the bacterial test strain Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and further Gram-positive test bacteria (usually Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538), which is not required by the standard.
The antibacterial activity of the test sample must show at least a germ reduction of 2 lg steps (= 99 %) for both test strains compared to a control material. The quality label is based on test reports with detailed results.
Hohenstein Laboratories tests the sample in accordance with the ISO 22196 standard "Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces."
The quality label confirms that the sample demonstrates antibacterial activity against the bacterial test strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739.
The antibacterial activity of the test sample must show at least a germ reduction of 2 lg steps (= 99 %) for both test strains compared to a control material. The quality label is based on a test report with detailed results.
Hohenstein Laboratories tests the sample in accordance with the standard DIN EN ISO 20743 "Textiles – Determination of antibacterial activity of textile products."
The quality label confirms that the sample demonstrates antibacterial activity against the bacterial test strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352.
The antibacterial activity of the test sample must show at least a germ reduction of 2 lg steps (= 99 %) for both test strains compared to a control material. The quality label is based on a test report with detailed results.
- Antibacterial efficacy according to DIN EN ISO 20743
- Practice-oriented test examining the influence of the antibacterial textile on human skin microflora
The test is based on a standardized model of human skin flora that simulates germ colonization, topography and skin properties of a healthy skin. The model uses germ types of the human body's skin microflora. The effect of the samples against these germs is analyzed quantitatively on the artificial skin/skin flora over 18 hours and assessed against internal controls or an identical material without antimicrobial activity. If no significant germ reduction appears within the exposure period, the textile is regarded as “safe” with respect to human skin flora.
