Microbiology Testing of Treated Articles

Our microbiology testing of treated articles combines 30+ years of expertise with comprehensive testing solutions and technical testing expertise. From early development through final submission, we provide custom protocols, specialized methodologies, and secure 24/7 result access to help you validate claims, achieve compliance, and streamline your antimicrobial product's path to market.

Microbiology Testing of Treated Articles
I'm trying to...

What is  Microbiology Testing of Treated Articles at Element?

Treated articles are products incorporating antimicrobial properties to protect the item itself. At Element, we provide comprehensive testing services to validate antimicrobial efficacy and support regulatory claims. Our testing encompasses the full spectrum of treated articles, from textiles to industrial materials, helping you verify product performance according to established methodologies with clear documentation of results and interpretation. 

Element life sciences testing expert in lab

What can element offer you for Microbiology Testing of Treated Articles service

Components and materials we test

Partner with us for complete antimicrobial efficacy testing across diverse materials. Our expertise covers textile materials, polymeric substances, hard surfaces, and hydrophobic materials, ensuring comprehensive validation of your treated articles' antimicrobial properties.  

Key tests offered

  • Antimicrobial activity testing
  • Antibacterial finishes assessment
  • Mildew fungistatic testing
  • Surface-bound antimicrobial testing
  • Custom protocol development for specific needs

Methods and solutions offered

Access established methodologies including ASTM E2149, ASTM E2180, AATCC 100, and JIS Z 2801/ISO 22196. Our consultative approach helps you select the right testing protocol for your specific claims and regulatory requirements, with the capability to develop custom solutions when needed.  

ASTM E2149: Tests antimicrobial activity by shaking treated samples in a microbial suspension (typically E. coli) and measuring log reduction after exposure. 

ASTM E2180: Evaluates antimicrobial properties of polymeric or hydrophobic materials by inoculating a treated surface with a microbial slurry and assessing log reduction after 24 hours against organisms such as S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae. 

AATCC 100: Assesses antibacterial finishes on textiles by exposing treated samples to microbes (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae), incubating, and measuring log reduction. 

Mildew Fungistatic Test: Determines effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments on fabrics or hard surfaces by evaluating mold growth (Aspergillus niger) under high humidity conditions for products considered effective mildew fungicides. 

JIS Z 2801/ISO 22196: Measures antimicrobial activity of surface treatments using international standards, with results expressed in percent and log reduction.   

Which labs offer this service

Element Eagan serves as our premier antimicrobial testing facility, supported by our global network of experts. 

Comprehensive Support

Get end-to-end support from early-stage development through final GLP testing. Our secure client portal provides 24/7 access to your test results, streamlining data management and regulatory documentation. For products requiring nonstandard approaches, we can develop custom protocols to meet your specific testing needs.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • ASTM E2149
  • ASTM E2180
  • AATCC 100
  • JIS Z 2801
  • ISO 22196
  • GB/T 21866
  • Your Challenges, Our Solutions

    test

    Navigating Complex Regulations

    Our experts stay current with relevant testing requirements and industry standards aren’t just up to speed on the latest scientific and technical breakthroughs – we’re also on top of the complex regulations required to access different markets. We’ll thorough test data needed for your treated articles to meet necessary criteria for successful product registration and claim validation.
    test

    Testing Method Selection

    Not all products can be tested the same way. Our experts will guide you through appropriate testing options for your specific antimicrobial claims. With no regulated reduction limits for many methods, we help you understand suitable performance criteria for your application.
    test

    Performance Validation Uncertainty

    Unsure what documentation you need for product claims? We provide clear test results with expert interpretation, helping you understand performance criteria. Our detailed log reduction and percent reduction measurements help substantiate your specific antimicrobial claims.
    test

    Product Development Support

    Partner with us from early development through final testing to minimize risk throughout your product's developmental cycle. We help ensure your antimicrobial-treated products meet performance requirements through both non-GLP screening and final GLP submission testing.

    Why Choose Element

    Element scientist in white lab coat working in life sciences testing laboratory

    Trusted Industry Experience

    More than three decades of antimicrobial testing expertise supporting leading manufacturers and developers.

    Comprehensive Testing Solutions

    Full-service support from development through GLP testing for regulatory submissions.

    Custom Protocol Development

    Tailored testing solutions when standard methods don't meet your specific needs.

    Direct Access to Experts

    Access to antimicrobial testing experts for consistent support.

    30+
    years

    Supporting treated article manufacturers.

    24/7
    access

    To a secure test results portal.

    1000s
    of successful

    treated article validations completed.
    Element laboratory scientist placing raw materials sample in test chamber for controlled testing conditions

    Frequently asked questions

    What types of claims can be validated through treated article testing?

    We support validation for general antimicrobial claims, antibacterial properties, and mildew resistance through established test methods like ASTM E2149, ASTM E2180, and AATCC 100. For many of these methods, no regulated reduction limits exist, with performance criteria typically determined by the sponsor. We can help you understand appropriate parameters for your specific applications.

    How do you ensure testing meets regulatory requirements?

    Our technical experts stay current with testing methodologies and industry standards. We provide comprehensive documentation of test results including log reduction and percent reduction measurements, delivering the data needed to support your treated article claims and registration.

    map

    Explore our global network of labs and find your nearest location

    VIEW ALL LOCATIONS

    Related services

    Comprehensive GLP virology efficacy testing to EPA, FDA, TGA & Health Canada requirements

    Virology Testing

    Element delivers GLP-compliant virology testing for antimicrobial products, helping companies meet global regulations, validate claims, and accelerate time to market with expert-led, reliable data.

    Antimicrobial microbiology testing services

    Antimicrobial Microbiology Testing Services

    Element's knowledgeable microbiologists can test to multiple established methods, as well as developing custom protocols.

    Speak to our team of experts

    AMERICAS

    Toll free from US lines

    +1 888 786 7555

    EUROPE

    Contact our Central Team
    UK

    Freephone from UK

    +44 808 234 1667

    Germany

    Freephone from Germany 

    +49 800 000 5137

    MIDDLE EAST

    Toll free from UAE

    +971 800 353 6368