AHAM AC-5 Testing: Microbial Clean Air Delivery Rate (mCADR) Certification
AHAM AC-5 testing is the industry-recognised method for verifying an air purifier’s effectiveness in removing airborne microbes — providing independent, science-backed data that builds consumer trust and supports regulatory compliance.
Aerobiology test chamber for AHAM AC-5 testing, mCADR. Includes recirculation loop for targeted infectious aerosol and airborne pathogen removal.
What Is AHAM AC-5 Testing?
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) developed the AC-5 standard as the benchmark for evaluating the airborne bacteria and virus removal performance of portable air purifiers.
The test measures a product’s Microbial Clean Air Delivery Rate (mCADR) — an independent, quantifiable measure of how efficiently an air purifier reduces microbial contaminants in a controlled environment. For manufacturers, achieving AHAM AC-5 certification builds consumer trust and helps products stand out in a competitive market.
How AHAM AC-5 Testing Works
- Test Microorganism Selection: The test uses MS2 bacteriophage, a widely accepted and safe virus surrogate.
- Bioaerosol Chamber Testing: The air purifier is placed in a controlled chamber where airborne microbes are introduced at a known concentration.
- Sampling & Data Collection: Air samples are taken at timed intervals to measure microbial reduction over time.
- Microbial CADR Calculation: The Microbial Clean Air Delivery Rate (CFM) is calculated, quantifying the purifier’s effectiveness in removing airborne pathogens.
- Results & Certification: A detailed test report is provided, supporting AHAM compliance and strengthening product marketability.
Why AHAM AC-5 Certification Matters
Builds Consumer Trust
AHAM certification provides independent verification of your product’s microbial removal efficiency — giving consumers confidence in your claims.
Competitive Advantage
Differentiate your air purifier in the market with independently validated performance data that competitors without certification cannot match.
Supports Product Claims
Provides the scientific backing needed for advertising, regulatory submissions, and health-based performance claims.
Why Choose Airmid Healthgroup for AHAM AC-5 Testing?
Airmid Healthgroup is a leading independent laboratory specialising in bioaerosol testing and air purification validation. Our team has extensive experience evaluating air cleaning technologies against ASHRAE and AHAM standards.
- ISO 17025-Accredited Laboratory — ensuring accuracy and compliance with international quality standards
- GLP-based projects
- State-of-the-Art Bioaerosol Chambers — large-scale, controlled environments designed to replicate real-world air purification scenarios
- Expertise in Indoor Air Quality & Pathogen Testing — decades of research in airborne viruses, bacteria, and bioaerosol behaviour
- Comprehensive Reporting — detailed Microbial CADR values to support regulatory submissions, marketing claims, and consumer confidence
- Bio-safety Level 2 testing including Flu-Virus, bacteria, and mould
- Pre-clinical and clinical studies via CRO network
- Digital twins, computational fluid dynamics, and AI mathematical modelling to enhance real-time chamber testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AHAM AC-5 actually measure?
AHAM AC-5 measures a product’s Microbial Clean Air Delivery Rate (mCADR) — the volume of air (in cubic feet per minute) that an air purifier effectively cleans of airborne bacteria and viruses under standardised test conditions.
What types of products can be tested to AHAM AC-5?
The standard is designed for portable air purifiers, though the methodology can be applied to a range of air cleaning technologies seeking to validate microbial removal performance.
What microorganism is used in AHAM AC-5 testing?
MS2 bacteriophage is used as a safe, non-pathogenic surrogate that mimics the behaviour of airborne viruses in a controlled test environment.
How is AHAM AC-5 different from ASHRAE 241?
AHAM AC-5 focuses specifically on portable air purifiers and produces a Microbial CADR value for market certification. ASHRAE 241 is a broader building standard that sets minimum equivalent clean air delivery requirements to reduce airborne disease transmission across an entire space.
What will I receive after AHAM AC-5 testing?
You will receive a comprehensive test report detailing the mCADR value, test methodology, and results — suitable for use in regulatory submissions, retailer requirements, and consumer-facing marketing.
Related Testing Services
- Air Cleaner & Air Handling Devices Testing
- ASHRAE 241 Testing Services
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Consultancy
- Virology Testing Services
- ANSI/AHAM AC-1 2020
- ASHRAE 185.1-2020
- Custom Bioaerosol Protocols
