Standard Test Method for Using Aerosol Filtration for Measuring the Performance of Porous Packaging Materials as a Surrogate Microbial Barrier

1.1 This test method measures the aerosol filtration performance of porous packaging materials by creating a defined aerosol of 1.0 m particles and assessing the filtration efficiency of the material using either single or dual particle counters.

1.2 This test method is applicable to porous materials used to package terminally sterilized medical devices.

1.3 The intent of this test method is to determine the flow rate through a material at which maximum penetration occurs. The porous nature of some materials used in sterile packaging applications might preclude evaluation by means of this test method. The maximum penetration point of a particular material could occur at a flow rate that exceeds the flow capacity of the test apparatus. As such, this test method may not be useful for evaluating the maximum penetration point of materials with a Bendtsen flow rate above 4000 mL/min as measured by ISO 5636-3.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.