Antibacterial Evaluation
Quantitative assessment of the antibacterial activity on finished textile surfaces provides verified data for performance claims of specialized fabrics. This methodology, associated with ISO 20743 liquor testing, evaluates the efficacy of treated fabrics against specific bacterial strains under controlled conditions. It measures the reduction in bacterial population after a set exposure period.
Assay Procedure
Testing begins by inoculating a sample of the treated textile with a known concentration of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. During ISO 20743 liquor testing, the specimen is incubated for a specific duration, typically eighteen to twenty-four hours, at thirty-seven degrees Celsius. The bacteria are then extracted from the fabric using a neutralizing solution and plated onto agar.
This step allows for the manual or automated counting of surviving colonies.
Validation Method
Comparing the growth on the treated sample against an untreated control sample reveals the true bacterial reduction rate. Implementing ISO 20743 liquor testing ensures that the antibacterial finish has been applied evenly and remains active on the fabric. This test provides mills with a reliable way to verify their technical claims.
It is widely used for medical and sportswear textiles.
Compliance Metric
Strong antibacterial performance requires a bacterial reduction value of at least two log units. Through ISO 20743 liquor testing, manufacturers confirm that their chemical baths are yielding the required performance levels. This validation is critical for securing retail contracts.
