Revised AATCC TM100 improves antibacterial testing

AATCC TM100 is one of the most commonly used test methods to measure antimicrobial activity on treated textiles. RA31 committee members reviewed the history, common practices within laboratories, and how the test method is used to measure antimicrobial performance. The newly revised method has eliminated the variability in many of the critical steps within the test method. It now provides clearer predictions of real-world antimicrobial activity when comparing treated articles to untreated controls. Use of a defined scientific approach reduces the potential for positive or negative bias while increasing reproducibility. 

Revised TM100-2019 will provide better repeatability within laboratories and more importantly, reproducibility between laboratories in both traditional antimicrobial technologies as well as today’s more environmentally sustainable technologies. Use of the revised method will provide the industry with more consistent and uniform test results for better understanding of the antimicrobial properties of treated articles when directly compared to untreated controls.

AATCC TM100-2019, test method will also be included in the AATCC 2020 Technical Manual to be released in January 2020.

Labs can evaluate their performance on antibacterial test methods by participating in the AATCC Proficiency Testing Program. Registration for 2020 rounds will open by October 2019. The Antibacterial Module will be distributed in April. Labs must be registered and paid in full by March 1, 2020 to participate. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India