Assessment of the anti-house dust mite properties of textiles under long-term test conditions
The AATCC Test Method 194-2013 evaluates treated textiles for their degree of anti-house dust mite activity in a long-term testing environment.
Test (anti-mite treated textile) and control specimens are inoculated with house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) and nutrients. After six weeks of incubation, sufficient time for mite colonies to flourish under optimal conditions, any viable house dust mites present in or on the textile specimens are enumerated by heat extraction. Results are expressed as percent reduction of house dust mite numbers on the anti-mite treated textile versus the untreated textile (negative control).
Customer Benefit
The results generated by this test provide a good measurement of the effectiveness of anti-dust mite treatment on a breeding mite colony. However, this test method cannot be used to predict the performance of a fully constructed product if the test specimen represents only a component of the final article. It also is restricted to textiles only and cannot be used to assess the corresponding effect on the removal of allergen, which will remain even after the removal of house dust mites.
Third Party Validation
On passing this test, the fabric can be labelled as having been tested by airmid in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.
Sample Required
1 square metre of both treated and untreated fabric.
Turnaround Time
8 weeks from receipt of sample.