ISO 22196 & ISO 18184 Testing: Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity on Surfaces & Textiles
Airmid Health Labs provides internationally recognised, third-party validated testing to confirm the antibacterial and antiviral performance of your products — from plastics and non-porous surfaces to woven and knitted fabrics, fibres and yarns.
On this page: ISO 18184 antiviral testing for textiles, ISO 22196 antibacterial testing for plastics and non-porous surfaces, sample requirements, turnaround times, and frequently asked questions.
Antiviral Activity Testing for Textiles (ISO 18184)
This test method determines the antiviral activity of textile products, including woven and knitted fabrics, fibres, yarns, and braids.
Products That Can Be Tested
Woven and knitted fabrics, fibres, yarns, braids, and similar textile products.
Description of Test
Viruses are inoculated onto a specimen. After a specific contact time — 2 hours as a standard, though this can be varied up to 24 hours — the remaining infectious virus is counted, and the reduction rate is calculated by comparing the antiviral test specimen against a reference specimen. Virus infection titre is quantified using the plaque assay or TCID50 method.
Commonly used viruses include Influenza A virus (H3N2 and H1N1) and Feline calicivirus. Other virus species are available on request.
Third Party Validation
On passing this test, the product can be labelled as tested by Airmid to ISO 18184:2019 in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.
Turnaround Time
Four weeks from receipt of samples.
ISO 22196:2011 Testing: Antibacterial Activity on Plastics & Non-Porous Surfaces
ISO 22196:2011 is an international standard that measures antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. At Airmid Health Labs, we use this test to evaluate how well materials resist bacterial growth, ensuring the products we test meet the highest global health standards.
Key Benefits of ISO 22196 Testing
- Verification of antibacterial properties
- Improved product safety and hygiene
- Compliance with global standards for marketability
Test Description
- Bacteria — such as Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli — are inoculated onto both test and control surfaces. Additional bacterial strains may also be used if necessary.
- Samples are incubated for a specified period, after which any viable bacteria are recovered and counted.
- Antibacterial effectiveness is assessed by calculating the inhibition of bacterial growth on the treated material’s surface, according to the criteria outlined in the relevant standard.
Applications of ISO 22196 Testing Across Industries
- Medical Devices: Ensuring that equipment and surfaces remain bacteria-free.
- Consumer Goods: Enhancing the safety of household items like kitchen surfaces and electronics.
- Construction Materials: Testing antibacterial effectiveness of coatings used in high-traffic areas.
Sample Submission and Testing Process
Sample Requirements:
- Preferred sample size: 50 mm x 50 mm (no more than 10 mm thick)
- Other sizes and shapes can be accommodated depending on the product
Upon submission, we will provide a quote tailored to your testing requirements based on the number of samples and bacteria strains.
Turnaround Time
Our goal is to deliver accurate test results within 4 weeks from receiving your samples.
Third Party Validation
On passing this test, the product can be labelled as having been tested by Airmid Health Labs to BS ISO 22196:2011 in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.
Why Choose Airmid Health Labs?
Airmid Health Labs is a world leader in indoor air quality and surface testing, offering trusted third-party validation of antibacterial and antiviral claims. Products that pass testing can be labelled accordingly, adding credibility to your performance claims.
“The quality of the third party data we received from Airmid Healthgroup helped us showcase our innovative strategy of licensing this novel technology at a prestigious international scientific event, the European Innovation Convention. Ultimately this will allow us to add value and differentiate our customer offerings through a focus on health and indoor air quality.”
— Mr. Robert Hickson, MD of VitrA Ireland
Why This Testing Matters
As consumer demand for safer, more hygienic products increases, ISO-standard testing provides essential validation of antibacterial and antiviral claims. Products with these properties are key in environments like healthcare, hospitality, and homes where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. Independent testing lets your product stand out in the marketplace by proving its efficacy in reducing bacterial and viral contamination.
Get in Touch
Our physician-led multi-disciplinary team includes scientists with expertise in virology, bacteriology, mycology, and allergy, enabling us to deliver data of impeccable quality. For more information or to request a custom quote for ISO 22196 or ISO 18184 testing, contact Airmid Health Labs today. Let us help you ensure your products meet the highest standards of antibacterial and antiviral activity, contributing to safer, healthier environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ISO 22196 and ISO 18184?
ISO 22196:2011 measures antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces. ISO 18184:2019 measures antiviral activity specifically on textile products such as woven and knitted fabrics, fibres, and yarns. Airmid offers third-party validated testing to both standards.
How long does testing take?
Both ISO 22196 antibacterial testing and ISO 18184 antiviral testing typically take four weeks from receipt of samples.
What sample size do I need to submit?
For ISO 22196 testing, the preferred sample size is 50 mm x 50 mm, no more than 10 mm thick. We can accommodate other sizes and shapes depending on your product — get in touch to discuss your specific material.
Which bacteria and viruses are used in testing?
Antibacterial testing commonly uses Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, with additional strains available if required. Antiviral testing commonly uses Influenza A virus (H3N2 and H1N1) and Feline calicivirus, with other virus species available on request.
How is the reduction rate calculated?
For antiviral testing, the remaining infectious virus after the contact period is counted and compared between the test specimen and a reference specimen, using the plaque assay or TCID50 method. For antibacterial testing, viable bacteria recovered from test and control surfaces after incubation are counted and compared to calculate the inhibition of bacterial growth.
What can I claim once my product passes testing?
On passing, your product can be labelled as tested by Airmid Health Labs to BS ISO 22196:2011 (antibacterial) or ISO 18184:2019 (antiviral) in support of any marketing or regulatory claim relating to the test and data received.
Which industries commonly use this testing?
Medical device manufacturers, consumer goods brands (kitchen surfaces, electronics, textiles), and construction material producers all use ISO 22196 and ISO 18184 testing to validate antibacterial and antiviral performance claims.
