AATCC 100 Fabric Testing and Claim Verification
The AATCC 100 test method evaluates the antibacterial activity of textile materials treated with antimicrobial finishes. It is one of the most widely recognised standards for determining the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments applied to fabrics and other textile products.
Scope of the AATCC 100 Test Method
AATCC 100 is applicable to a wide range of textile products incorporating antibacterial treatments, including:
- Woven and nonwoven textiles
- Garments, upholstery, and bedding fabrics
- Treated fibres and coatings designed to inhibit bacterial growth
How the AATCC 100 Test Works
The AATCC 100 antibacterial test measures the ability of treated textiles to reduce bacterial populations under controlled laboratory conditions.
- Test Organisms: Two representative microorganisms — Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae — are used as test organisms. An adjusted bacterial suspension is applied to both treated and untreated textile specimens.
- Sampling: At time zero (t = 0) and after a specified contact period, 10 ml of neutralising solution are added to the test materials to extract the bacteria.
- Enumeration: The extracted solutions are serially diluted and plated on nutrient agar to determine the number of colony forming units (CFUs) present.
- Results: Antibacterial efficacy is expressed as the percentage reduction or log reduction in bacterial count compared with the untreated control fabric — quantifying the performance of the antimicrobial treatment in reducing viable bacteria on the textile surface.
Independent Validation
On successful completion, products can be described as tested by Airmid Healthgroup to AATCC 100 — providing independent, third-party validation in support of claims relating to antibacterial performance. Airmid Healthgroup’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory provides testing services trusted by manufacturers, regulators, and certification programmes worldwide.
Turnaround Time
~4 Weeks
From receipt of samples
Accreditation
ISO 17025
GLP-compliant, independently audited laboratory
Request a Quote for AATCC 100 Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your antibacterial textile testing requirements and receive a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AATCC 100 and what does it measure?
AATCC 100 is a test standard developed by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists that measures the antibacterial efficacy of treated textile products. It determines the percentage or log reduction in viable bacteria on a treated fabric compared to an untreated control — providing quantified evidence to support antibacterial performance claims.
What is the difference between AATCC 100 and ISO 20743?
Both standards test antibacterial activity in treated textiles using similar inoculation and enumeration principles. AATCC 100 is more commonly referenced in the US market, while ISO 20743 is the internationally recognised standard used in European and Asian markets. Airmid can conduct both and advise on which is most appropriate for your product and target market.
Which bacteria are used in AATCC 100 testing?
Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the two standard test organisms — representing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria respectively. These are widely accepted as representative microorganisms for evaluating antibacterial textile performance.
Can AATCC 100 test results support a certification application?
Yes. Data generated by Airmid’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to AATCC 100 can support certification applications, retailer compliance requirements, and regulatory submissions. Products that pass can be described as independently tested by Airmid Healthgroup to AATCC 100 standards.
What will I receive after AATCC 100 testing?
You will receive a full test report detailing the methodology, bacterial enumeration data, percentage and log reduction values, and conclusions — ready to support antibacterial marketing claims and regulatory submissions.
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Full Textile Testing Menu
- Allergen Barrier Test
- Simulated Use Test
- Allergen Removal
- Heat Escape Method
- AATCC 194-2013
- Breathability
- Air Permeability
- Water Resistance
- ISO 27447:2019
- ISO 20743:2021
- BS EN 14683:2019
- Microbial Strikethrough
- Feather & Down Analysis
- ISO 18184:2019 — Antiviral Testing for Textiles
- ISO 13629-2:2014
- ISO 21326:2019
- ASTM G21
O 17025