By Dr. Natasha Gordon, PhD, microbiology researcher at Airmid Healthgroup. Read more about her work here
Published: July 7, 2015
During a recent visit to Asia, the Airmid Healthgroup team was in Seoul, South Korea at the same time the city was experiencing an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), this respiratory illness was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since drawn global attention due to its potential for rapid spread.
The presence of MERS in Seoul added to the region’s ongoing concerns about viral outbreaks. Asia has been significantly impacted by a series of high-profile virus epidemics in recent years, including:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) – 2002/2003
- Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) – 2008/2009
- Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) – 2009
Supporting Manufacturers with Viral Testing and Certification
In response to increased public health concerns, many manufacturers are prioritizing solutions that can help reduce the risk of viral exposure in indoor environments. At Airmid Healthgroup, we partner with leading Asian and global companies to validate and certify their health-related product claims using rigorous scientific methods.
Our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory conducts virus testing on a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including:
- Textiles
- Laundry Appliance Testing: Performance & Hygiene Validation
- Hand dryers
- Humidifiers/dehumidifiers
- Air purifiers/ Room Air Cleaners/Furnace Filters
We routinely work with viruses such as:
- Influenza A (H1N1)
- Human Rhinovirus 16 – a leading cause of the common cold
- Human Coronavirus 229E – a close genetic relative to more severe coronaviruses
When direct testing with specific viruses is not feasible, we utilize genetically related viral surrogates for reliable, science-based outcomes. Our virus testing capabilities include:
- Viral culture methods
- ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
- qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction)
- Synthetic skin models to evaluate viral adherence to skin-like surfaces
These advanced analytical techniques are combined with biological particle modeling to simulate real-world exposure scenarios, offering manufacturers data-driven insights and a clear path to product differentiation and certification.
Learn More
If you are developing antiviral technologies or need support in validating health claims related to viral efficacy, Airmid Healthgroup can help.
Contact our team for expert guidance on customized testing programs designed to meet regulatory and market needs.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – About MERS
Related Testing Services
– Germicidal UV Testing (ASHRAE 185 Series)
– HVAC Filtration and Air Cleaner Performance Testing (ASHRAE 52.2)
– Antimicrobial Surface Testing (ISO 22196 & ASTM E2149)
Related Case Studies
– APCO Air Purifier Validated by Airmid Healthgroup
Related Blog Posts
-Advancing the Science of UV Disinfection: Insights from the IUVA & NIST Workshop
– ASHRAE Standard 241: Control of Infectious Aerosols – Understanding its Impact
– An Overview of the ASHRAE 185 Series Standards for Evaluating Air Cleaning Technologies
– The Role of Independent Testing in HVAC Filtration: Ensuring Air Quality Standards
Keywords
viral product testing, MERS outbreak, viral testing, product certification, antiviral testing, air purifier testing, humidifier testing, virus validation, Airmid Healthgroup, indoor air quality, third-party lab
Do you want to validate your technology?
Contact the Airmid Healthgroup team today to learn more about the independent testing process and how it can enhance your product’s credibility in the market.
