About the standard
ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing — what the standard covers
ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing is the standard test method for measuring the air cleaning performance of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter systems. Developed by ASTM International’s Committee D22 on Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres, it uses a laser aerosol spectrometer (LAS) to determine particle penetration through one- or two-stage HEPA filter installations.
The standard was withdrawn by ASTM International in 2018 but remains relevant for legacy system validation, comparative studies, and clients whose specifications or regulatory frameworks reference it. Airmid Healthgroup conducts testing to ASTM F1471-09 on request, alongside current equivalents including ASHRAE 52.2 and EN 1822.
For HEPA filter manufacturers, cleanroom operators, healthcare facility managers, and regulatory teams requiring validated ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing data, Airmid Healthgroup provides GLP-compliant independent third-party testing with comprehensive reporting suitable for technical submissions and marketing claims.
Particle range
0.1–1.0 μm
Heterodisperse submicrometer aerosols
Filter stages
1 or 2
Single or two-stage HEPA installations
Max penetration
5×10⁻⁴
One stage; 2.5×10⁻⁷ for two stages
Instrument
LAS
Laser aerosol spectrometer
Scope of ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing
01
Covers the procedure and equipment for measuring particle penetration through HEPA filter systems using a laser aerosol spectrometer (LAS), evaluating overall effectiveness of one- or two-stage filter installations
02
Test aerosols have a heterodisperse size distribution in the submicrometer range from 0.1 to 1.0 μm — covering the particle size range where greatest HEPA filter penetration is most likely to occur (0.1 to 0.2 μm)
03
In-place filter testing determines penetration of multi-stage installations without requiring individual stage testing — providing a practical assessment of the complete installed system
04
Provides a comparative indication of the capability and essential performance characteristics of HEPA filter systems — including maximum recommended penetration criteria of 5×10⁻⁴ for one stage and 2.5×10⁻⁷ for two stages in series
Products that can be tested
ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing applies to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter systems in a wide range of applications:
Healthcare & life science
Hospital HEPA systems, operating theatre ventilation, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, biosafety cabinet filters
Commercial & industrial
Commercial HVAC HEPA installations, industrial cleanrooms, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear facility ventilation
Consumer products
Portable air purifiers with HEPA elements, vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, in-room air cleaning devices
Standard status and current alternatives
ASTM F1471-09 — Withdrawn 2018
ASTM International withdrew F1471-09 in 2018. It has not been replaced by a direct successor within the ASTM portfolio. However, testing to this method remains valid for legacy system qualification, comparative studies, and specifications that explicitly reference F1471. Acceptance penetration criteria must be specified in the programme or owner’s specifications — the criteria suggested in this test method are for reference only.
Current HEPA filter and air filtration performance standards that Airmid Healthgroup also tests to include:
ASHRAE 52.2
Current standard for HVAC air filter particle efficiency testing — assigns MERV ratings across 0.3–10 μm particle ranges. View ASHRAE 52.2 testing →
EN 1822
European standard for classification and performance testing of EPA, HEPA, and ULPA filters
ISO 29463
International standard for high-efficiency filters and filter media for general ventilation
ASHRAE 185.1
Testing method for UV-C airborne pathogen inactivation in HVAC systems alongside HEPA filtration
Commission ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing with Airmid Healthgroup
Airmid Healthgroup is a GLP and ISO 17025-accredited independent testing laboratory providing ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing on request. Our aerobiology and particle science expertise, combined with advanced environmental test chambers, means we can deliver technically rigorous data suitable for regulatory submissions, product specifications, and performance claims. Contact us to discuss your requirements or request a project proposal.
Request testing
ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing — get a quote
Samples and turnaround time are confirmed upon request. Contact us to discuss your HEPA filter system and testing objectives.
Related HVAC test methods
ASHRAE 52.2 — MERV Filter Testing
ASHRAE 241 — Infectious Aerosol Control
Single Pass HVAC Testing
Full HVAC Services Menu
ASTM F1471-09 ← Current page
Accreditations
✓ GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)
✓ ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation
✓ Proprietary bioaerosol test chambers
✓ Trusted by global HVAC brands
External authority references
Standards & regulatory references
ASTM International ↗
ASTM F1471-09 — Official Standard
Standard Test Method for Air Cleaning Performance of a High-Efficiency Particulate Air-Filter System (Withdrawn 2018)
ASHRAE 52.2 — Current HVAC Filter Standard
Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size — the current replacement standard for HEPA and MERV filter testing
ISO ↗
ISO 29463 — High-Efficiency Filters
High-efficiency filters and filter media for general ventilation — the international standard framework for HEPA and ULPA filter classification and testing
Client success
Related case studies
From the lab
Related news & resources
Standards guide · 2026
Understanding MERV, HEPA, and ASHRAE Standards
A comprehensive overview of MERV, HEPA, and ASHRAE standards — their roles in air filtration and how they impact indoor air quality and product compliance.
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HVAC testing · 2025
The Role of Independent Testing in HVAC Filtration
Why third-party verification matters for HVAC filter performance — covering compliance, consumer trust, and the limits of in-house testing.
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FAQ · 2025
FAQ: ASHRAE 52.2 Filter Testing Services for HVAC and Air Cleaning Products
Common questions about HVAC filter testing, MERV ratings, ISO 17025 accreditation, and what independent filter validation involves.
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Commission ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing
Ready to validate your HEPA filter system?
Airmid Healthgroup provides independent, GLP and ISO 17025-accredited ASTM F1471-09 HEPA filter performance testing on request — with expert reporting tailored for technical, regulatory, and marketing audiences. Samples required and turnaround time are confirmed at project scoping.
