ASTM E2471-23

Standard Test Method for Using Seeded-Agar for the Screening Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity In Carpets

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides for rapid screening of antimicrobial treatments located in or on the carpet face fiber or incorporated into the backing structure of the carpet (or both).  
5.2 This test method simulates actual use conditions that may occur on carpets (for example, food and beverage spills, soiling from foot traffic, prolonged moisture exposure).  
5.3 This test method provides a means to screen for activity and durability of an antimicrobial treatment under conditions of organic loading.  
5.4 This test method provides for the simultaneous assessment of multiple carpet components for antimicrobial activity.  
5.5 Carpets may be cleaned prior to testing with this test method in order to assess the durability of the antimicrobial effect.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate (qualitatively) the presence of antimicrobial activity in or on carpets. Use this test method to qualitatively evaluate both antibacterial and antifungal activity.  
1.2 Use half strength (nutrient and agar) tryptic soy agar as the inoculum vehicle for bacteria and half strength potato dextrose agar as the inoculum vehicle for mold conidia. Use of half strength agars may reduce undue neutralization of an antimicrobial due to excessive organic load.  
1.3 This test method simultaneously evaluates (both visual and stereo-microscopic) antimicrobial activity both at the fiber layer and at the primary backing layer of carpet.  
1.4 Use this test method to assess the durability of the antimicrobial treatments on new carpets, and on those repeatedly shampooed or exposed to in-use conditions.  
1.5 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for the practice of this test method.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2023
• ICS: 07.100.99 - Other standards related to microbiology
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: E35 - Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents
• Drafting Committee: E35.15 - Antimicrobial Agents

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: E2471 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Using Seeded-Agar for the Screening Assessment of
1
Antimicrobial Activity In Carpets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2471; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Today’s modern commercial carpets (especially modular carpet tile) often incorporate antimicrobial
agents either in or on the face fibers or incorporated into the primary backing (attachment point of
carpet fiber to the backing structure). The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC) Method 174 permits both qualitative and quantitative antibacterial assessment and
antifungal assessment (qualitative only) of antimicrobial treatments in or on carpet. However, the
method is not suited for rapid screening of antimicrobials low in water solubility or that have slow
diffusion rates when incorporated into the carpet’s primary backing layer. The test method described
here provides a rapid screen of antimicrobial activity in or on carpets and allows for the simultaneous
assessment of multiple components of the carpet (not just the fibers).
1. Scope 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate (qualitatively)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the presence of antimicrobial activity in or on carpets. Use this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test method to qualitatively evaluate both antibacterial and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
antifungal activity.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Use half strength (nutrient and agar) tryptic soy agar as
the inoculum vehicle for bacteria and half strength potato
2. Referenced Documents
dextrose agar as the inoculum vehicle for mold conidia. Use of
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
half strength agars may reduce undue neutralization of an
E2756 Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral
antimicrobial due to excessive organic load.
Agents
1.3 This test method simultaneously evaluates (both visual
2.2 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
and stereo-microscopic) antimicrobial activity both at the fiber
(AATCC) Standard:
layer and at the primary backing layer of carpet.
Method 174-2007, Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of
3
Carpets
1.4 Use this test method to assess the durability of the
antimicrobial treatments on new carpets, and on those repeat-
3. Terminology
edly shampooed or exposed to in-use conditions.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
for the practice of this test method.
to Terminology E2756.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.2 face fiber, n—the wear layer of the carpet; can be
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
composed of nylon, polypropylene, wool, or other natural or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
synthetic polymers. Typically, face fiber is tufted into a woven
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
responsibility of Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
approved in 2005. Last previous edition published in 2016 as E2471 – 05 (2016). (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215, http://
DOI: 10.1520/E2471-23. www.aatcc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E2471 − 23
or non-woven scrim and then coated with latex to bond the face 6.3 Sterile Petri Dishes, 150 mm.
fiber securely to the backing; this latex coated scrim forms the
6.4 Incubators, set at required temperatures (30 °C
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2471 − 05 (Reapproved 2016) E2471 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Using Seeded-Agar for the Screening Assessment of
1
Antimicrobial Activity In Carpets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2471; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Today’s modern commercial carpets (especially modular carpet tile) often incorporate antimicrobial
agents either in or on the face fibers or incorporated into the primary backing (attachment point of
carpet fiber to the backing structure). The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC) Method 174 permits both qualitative and quantitative antibacterial assessment and
antifungal assessment (qualitative only) of antimicrobial treatments in or on carpet. However, the
method is not suited for rapid screening of antimicrobials low in water solubility or that have slow
diffusion rates when incorporated into the carpet’s primary backing layer. The test method described
here provides a rapid screen of antimicrobial activity in or on carpets and allows for the simultaneous
assessment of multiple components of the carpet (not just the fibers).
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate (qualitatively) the presence of antimicrobial activity in or on carpets. Use this test
method to qualitatively evaluate both antibacterial and antifungal activity.
1.2 Use half strength (nutrient and agar) tryptic soy agar as the inoculum vehicle for bacteria and half strength potato dextrose
agar as the inoculum vehicle for mold conidia. Use of half strength agars may reduce undue neutralization of an antimicrobial due
to excessive organic load.
1.3 This test method simultaneously evaluates (both visual and stereo-microscopic) antimicrobial activity both at the fiber layer
and at the primary backing layer of carpet.
1.4 Use this test method to assess the durability of the antimicrobial treatments on new carpets, and on those repeatedly
shampooed or exposed to in-use conditions.
1.5 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for the practice of this test method.
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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E35 on Pesticides, Antimicrobials, and Alternative Control Agents and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee E35.15 on Antimicrobial Agents.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2016June 1, 2023. Published December 2016June 2023. Originally approved in 2005 as 2005. E2471 – 05.Last previous edition published
ɛ1
in 20112016 as E2471–05(2011)E2471 – 05 (2016). . DOI: 10.1520/E2471-05R16. 10.1520/E2471-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E2471 − 23
1.7 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E2756 Terminology Relating to Antimicrobial and Antiviral Agents
2.2 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Standard:
3
Method 174-2007, Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Carpets
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology E2756.
3.1.2 face fiber, n—the wear layer of the carpet; can be composed of nylon, polypropylene, wool, or other natural or synthetic
polymers. Typically, face fiber is tufted into a woven or non-woven scrim and then coated with latex to bond the face fiber securely
to the backing; this latex coated scrim forms the primary backing.
3.1.3 inoculum vehicle, n—carrier solution used to transport bacterial cells or mold conidia to the test substrate.
3.1.4 primary backing, n—the uppermost layer of carpet backing where carpet fiber bundles are physically attached
...