by Dr. John McKeon, Medical Director, Airmid Healthgroup. Over 20 years in aerobiology and IAQ research
Airmid Healthgroup joined the IUVA/NIST workshop to advance UV disinfection standards through real-world, science-backed testing
Fresh from a valuable showing at the NADCA conference, Airmid Healthgroup continued its mission to shape the future of indoor air quality and infectious disease prevention by attending the IUVA and NIST-led workshop in Washington, D.C.: Advancing UV Germicidal Efficacy Measurement: Metrology for Standards Development.
This event brought together scientists, engineers, product developers, and standardization experts to tackle a complex, yet crucial, topic: how to quantify UV germicidal efficacy with precision and relevance. In a world saturated with disinfection claims, the need for harmonized, defensible measurement methods has never been greater.
The relevance of ASHRAE 241-2023 was reinforced during a keynote by Dr. William Bahnfleth, who emphasized the need for validated testing methods and real-world chamber data.
Dr. William Bahnfleth, Chair of ASHRAE SSPC 241, presenting on the 2023 ASHRAE Standard 241: Control of Infectious Aerosols at the IUVA–NIST Workshop.
Metrology, Standards, and the Built Environment
The workshop was anchored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with support from the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA). It focused on the pressing need for well-defined metrology—the science of measurement—as a foundation for new performance-based standards across a wide range of UV technologies, from far-UVC ceiling units to surface sanitizing robots.
For Airmid Healthgroup, this conversation couldn’t be more relevant. With our ISO 17025-aligned testing capabilities and advanced bioaerosol exposure chambers, we’re already applying these principles every day—bridging the gap between laboratory control and real-world application.
Designing for the Real World: The Case for Large-Volume Chambers
One of the workshop’s standout sessions was chaired by Dustin Poppendieck of NIST, who has been instrumental in advancing UV metrology in indoor environments. During the discussion, Professor Mark Hernandez of Colorado State University, a prominent figure in environmental microbiology, underscored the need for large-scale testing chambers—at least 28 m³—to realistically evaluate how UV systems behave under operational conditions.
At Airmid, our state-of-the-art custom aerobiology chambers exceed these recommendations. Designed specifically for testing airborne infectious agents under controlled ventilation, humidity, and temperature conditions, they offer the scale and flexibility required to replicate the complexity of the built environment.
This positions us as a natural partner for those developing or refining UV disinfection technologies—particularly when scientific credibility, regulatory alignment, and market differentiation are at stake.
Roadmapping the Future: Microbiology Testing & Round Robins
Another major highlight of the workshop was the All Hands Breakout Session: Microbiology Testing Roadmap to Round Robins—a collaborative forum addressing the challenges and future directions of UV inactivation testing on air and surfaces. Co-chaired by James Bolton (Bolton Photosciences), Troy Cowan (IUVA Healthcare Working Group), and Dr. Matthew Hardwick, GLP specialist and member of the scientific leadership team at Airmid Healthgroup, the session brought together thought leaders to align on best practices and areas for harmonization.
Facilitated by Dianne Poster and Joy Dunkers from NIST, the session opened with a roadmap presentation by Tatiana Koutchma (UV4Good), setting the stage for a robust discussion on round robin testing and data reliability. Panelists included Shawn Verhoeven, Bill Anderson, Curtis Donskey, Phyllis Posy, and Professor Mark Hernandez, each contributing unique insights from microbiology, public health, and regulatory science.
Prof. Mark Hernandez emphasizes the need for large-scale aerobiology chambers during a panel chaired by Dr. Matt Hardwick at the IUVA–NIST Microbiology Testing Roadmap session.
For Airmid, this session was particularly resonant. It underscored the urgent need for collaborative, multi-lab studies to benchmark test methods and accelerate the development of global standards. With our ISO-accredited lab, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) expertise, custom aerobiology chambers, and deep experience in airborne pathogen testing, Airmid is exceptionally well-positioned to support and participate in these round robin efforts—ensuring that innovation is built on reproducible, peer-reviewed evidence.
Airmid’s Role in the Next Generation of Standards
Throughout the workshop, speakers emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration in standards development—including input from microbiologists, engineers, building scientists, and regulatory bodies. This is exactly the model Airmid champions. Whether co-developing bespoke test methods or participating in the development of ISO and UL standards, we bring decades of experience in infectious aerosol testing to the table.
And with the growing global demand for evidence-based validation, our ability to deliver data that is not only accurate but actionable makes all the difference—from early-stage R&D through to regulatory submission and product launch.
Let’s Make the Invisible Measurable
Pathogens are invisible—but their impact on public health and product credibility is very real. As innovation in UV disinfection accelerates, so too must our ability to measure what matters, under conditions that reflect how these technologies are truly used.
At Airmid Healthgroup, we believe this kind of validation is not a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for responsible innovation. That’s why we were proud to attend this pivotal IUVA/NIST workshop and contribute to the global effort to raise the bar in germicidal efficacy testing.
Authored by Medical Director, Airmid Healthgroup
Meet John →
Related Airmid Healthgroup Links
FAQ / Glossary: Germicidal UV Technologies Explained
News/Blog Articles:
ASHRAE Standard 241: Control of Infectious Aerosols – Understanding its Impact
Explores the implications of ASHRAE Standard 241 on controlling infectious aerosols in indoor environments.
A Busy Week in Washington DC: Strengthening Airmid Healthgroup’s MedTech and Healthcare Ties
Details Airmid Healthgroup’s engagements in Washington D.C. to bolster MedTech and healthcare collaborations.
Advancing Indoor Air Quality: Airmid Healthgroup at KBIS, IBS, and AAAAI 2025
Highlights Airmid Healthgroup’s participation in key industry events focused on indoor air quality advancements.
Related Tests and Services:
ASHRAE 185.1-2020 Testing Services
Evaluation of HVAC UV-C technologies for their ability to inactivate airborne microorganisms in the airstream.
ANSI/AHAM AC-1 2020 Testing
Determination of the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for portable air cleaners, adaptable to various contaminants including bioaerosols.
Custom Bioaerosol Protocols
Tailored testing methodologies for assessing the efficacy of air cleaning technologies against specific airborne pathogens.
Relevant Case Study:
Case Study: Air Sniper’s Germicidal UVGI Technology – Advancing Indoor Air Quality
Air Sniper collaborated with Airmid Healthgroup to scientifically validate the effectiveness of its germicidal UVGI technology in reducing airborne pathogens, with results showcased at major industry conferences, reinforcing its impact on indoor air quality.
External Links:
International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA): Provides resources and information on the advancement of ultraviolet technologies for public health and environmental applications.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Offers information on standards and measurement science, including resources on UV germicidal efficacy measurement.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) – OECD Guidelines: Outlines principles of Good Laboratory Practice to ensure the quality and integrity of non-clinical laboratory studies.
Key Word Phrases
UV germicidal efficacy testing standards; microbiology testing roadmap for UV disinfection; large aerobiology chamber validation; GLP-compliant UV product testing; ISO-accredited air disinfection testing lab; real-world testing of UV-C air purifiers; UV inactivation of airborne pathogens; NIST IUVA UV disinfection workshop 2025; custom UV efficacy protocols for manufacturers; indoor air quality product validation services.
Key Words:
UV-C; bioaerosols; disinfection; metrology; validation; GLP; airborne; chambers; pathogens; standards.
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