ASTM E2149 – Antimicrobial Test

ASTM E2149 is an antimicrobial test method for determining the antimicrobial activity of immobilized antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions.

ASTM E2149 is often referred to as the “shake flask test” and is recommended for testing an antimicrobial additive. ASTM E2149 is used for materials where the antimicrobial treatment is immobilized and does not migrate into the surrounding environment. Results evaluate the resistance of antimicrobial treated specimens to the growth of microbes.

For ASTM E2149, standard organisms tested against include E. coli and K. pneumoniae and standard testing runs for 24 hours; additional organisms and time points can be added to the scope by request.

Results provide a quantitative measurement of antimicrobial activity for non-mobile materials, which generally consist of treated textiles. In order to overcome difficulties found when using static antimicrobial test methods with a material that is hydrophobic in nature, ASTM E2149 was developed for routine quality control and screening tests.

ASTM E2149 also provides the ability to completely wet out a substrate and is often used when comparing performance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic substrates.

For more information about ASTM E2149 and Antimicrobial Testing, contact our antimicrobial lab at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.