ASTM F1670/F1670M-17a

5.1 This test method is based on Test Method F903 for measuring resistance of chemical protective clothing materials to penetration by liquids. This test method is normally used to evaluate specimens from individual finished items of protective clothing and individual samples of materials that are candidates for items of protective clothing.

5.2 Medical protective clothing materials are intended to be a barrier to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. Many factors can affect the wetting and penetration characteristics of body fluids, such as surface tension, viscosity, and polarity of the fluid, as well as the structure and relative hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of the materials. The surface tension range for blood and body fluids (excluding saliva) is approximately 0.042 to 0.060 N/m (1) .7 To help simulate the wetting characteristics of blood and body fluids, the surface tension of the synthetic blood is adjusted to approximate the lower end of this surface tension range. The resulting surface tension of the synthetic blood is approximately 0.042 ± 0.002 N/m.

5.3 The synthetic blood mixture is prepared with a red dye to aid in visual detection and a thickening agent to simulate the flow characteristics of blood.

5.4 Part of the protocol in Procedures A and B in Table 1 for exposing the protective clothing material specimens with synthetic blood involves pressurization of the test cell to 13.8 kPa [2 psig]. This hydrostatic pressure has been documented to discriminate between protective clothing material performance and to correlate with visual penetration results that are obtained with a human factors validation 5.5 Since this test method uses visual observation rather than analytical measurements for determination of penetration, use this test method as a preliminary evaluation for possible penetration of blood and other body fluids. Perform subsequent testing with a microbiological challenge and analytical technique using Test Method F1671.

5.6 Testing without considering degradation by physical, chemical, and thermal stresses which could negatively impact the performance of the protective barrier could lead to a false sense of security. Consider tests which assess the impact of storage conditions and shelf life for disposable products, and the effects of laundering and sterilization for reusable products. The integrity of the protective barrier can also be compromised during use by such effects as flexing and abrasion 5.7 While this test method involves a qualitative determination of the protective clothing material resistance to penetration by synthetic blood under specific test conditions, it is possible to use this test method as a material quality control or assurance procedure.

1.1 This test method is used to evaluate the resistance of materials used in protective clothing to penetration by synthetic blood under conditions of continuous liquid contact. Protective clothing pass/fail determinations are based on visual detection of synthetic blood penetration.

1.2 This test method is a means for selecting protective clothing materials for subsequent testing with a more sophisticated barrier test as described in Test Method F1671.

1.3 This test method does not apply to all forms or conditions of blood-borne pathogen exposure. Users of the test method must review modes for work/clothing exposure and assess the appropriateness of this test method for their specific application.

1.4 This test method addresses only the performance of materials or certain material constructions (for example, seams) used in protective clothing. This test method does not address the design, overall construction and components, or interfaces of garments, or other factors which may affect the overall protection offered by the protective clothing.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

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.