Your Questions Answered by the Experts at Airmid Healthgroup
ISO 15714:2019 is one of the most important international standards for evaluating the effectiveness of air-cleaning technologies against airborne microorganisms. Below, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about the standard—and how Airmid Healthgroup can help you apply it to your product testing.
What is ISO 15714:2019?
ISO 15714:2019 is an international standard that describes a controlled laboratory method for evaluating the antimicrobial performance of air treatment devices using aerosolized biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses).
What types of devices does ISO 15714 apply to?
This standard is relevant for any product that claims to reduce airborne microorganisms, including:
Air purifiers
HVAC-integrated filtration systems
UV-C and photocatalytic units
Electrostatic precipitators
Plasma-based air cleaners
Hospital-grade infection control systems
Why is this testing important?
Testing according to ISO 15714:2019 gives you quantitative evidence that your device works under controlled, reproducible conditions. It supports:
Product development and performance benchmarking
Regulatory submissions (e.g. FDA, CE)
Marketing claims for microbial reduction
Customer and stakeholder confidence
What microorganisms are used in ISO 15714 testing?
Common test organisms include:
Serratia marcescens (a safe bacterial surrogate)
MS2 bacteriophage (a viral surrogate)
Other surrogates may be selected depending on your intended use and jurisdiction
What does the test involve?
- A controlled test chamber is filled with a known concentration of aerosolized microorganisms.
- The air treatment device is operated under defined conditions.
- Air samples are collected over time and cultured to determine viable microorganism counts.
- The log reduction of microorganisms is calculated and compared to a control (non-treated airflow).
How is ISO 15714 different from other standards?
Unlike standards that test surface decontamination or air filter efficiency, ISO 15714 focuses on real-time airborne microorganism reduction.
It’s considered one of the most rigorous, aerosol-based efficacy standards for air disinfection devices.
Does ISO 15714 meet FDA or CE requirements?
While ISO 15714 is not a regulatory requirement by itself, it is often recognized by regulators as part of the scientific evidence package for efficacy. It can be used to support submissions under:
- FDA 510(k)
- EU MDR
- Health Canada filings
- EPA device registration (in conjunction with other tests)
Can the standard be adapted to my specific product?
Yes. At Airmid Healthgroup, we routinely adapt ISO 15714 protocols to better reflect the airflow characteristics, intended use, or real-world application scenarios of our clients’ technologies—while still maintaining scientific and regulatory integrity.
Why choose Airmid Healthgroup for ISO 15714 testing?
- Purpose-built bioaerosol testing chambers
- Access to a range of surrogates and test protocols
- GLP-level quality systems
- Trusted by top-tier medtech and air purification companies
- Scientific team with deep expertise in indoor air microbiology
How long does testing take?
Typical ISO 15714 studies can be completed within 4–8 weeks, depending on device complexity, test organism, and regulatory data requirements.
How do I get started?
Just reach out to our team. We’ll guide you through:
- Protocol development
- Selection of appropriate test organisms
- Scheduling and sample logistics
- Regulatory support, if needed
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to walk you through ISO 15714 and how it applies to your product. Contact us for a consultation or request a sample test report.
Related Services
Custom Bioaerosol Protocols for Air Disinfection Devices
Related Blogs or News
The Power of UV-C: Disinfecting and Reusing N95 Respirators, by Dr. Matt Hardwick
Understanding Influenza and Its Impact on Public Health, by Oliver Dsa MSc
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Air Sniper: Bioaerosol Efficacy Testing for Commercial UV-C Air Disinfection Unit
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Keyword Phrases
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Want to learn more about how ISO 15714:2019 fits into a broader product validation strategy?
Read our Air Purifier Testing Services Overview
Dr. Anna O’Donovan has been selected as a trusted subject matter expert for Airmid Healthgroup’s thought leadership blog due to her extensive expertise in medicine, dentistry, and the science of indoor air quality.
Anna qualified from Trinity College Dublin with an Honours degree in Medicine in 1997 before obtaining an Honours degree in Dentistry from Trinity College Dublin in 2001. She spent five years working in General Practice (Family Medicine) and 15 years in Dentistry, giving her a unique clinical perspective on health and wellness.
For the past five years, Anna has worked with Allergy Standards Ltd as a medical and lifestyle author, translating complex scientific research into engaging, evidence-based content. Now, as part of Airmid Healthgroup, she focuses on the impact of indoor air quality on respiratory health, allergies, and overall well-being, helping to communicate cutting-edge research to industry leaders and consumers alike.
Passionate about bridging the gap between science and everyday living, Anna combines her medical expertise with a love of writing to educate and inform on the crucial role of indoor environments in human health. She is an award winning author, including being a prize winner in the Baileys First Chapter Women’s Prize for Fiction. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, writing, and hiking—especially when accompanied by her dog.
