ISO 13629-2 Testing: Antiviral Activity of Textile Products
The ISO 13629-2 test method specifies procedures for determining the antiviral activity of textile products — including fabrics, fibres, and yarns treated with antiviral agents. This international standard provides a reliable means of assessing how effectively a textile can reduce the presence of infectious viruses after a defined contact period.
Scope of the ISO 13629-2 Test Method
ISO 13629-2 covers the assessment of antiviral performance across a wide range of treated textile constructions. It is applicable to manufacturers seeking independent validation of antiviral claims for consumer, medical, or technical textile products.
Products That Can Be Tested
- Woven and knitted fabrics
- Fibres and yarns
- Braided or nonwoven materials
- Coated or chemically treated textiles designed for antiviral performance
How the ISO 13629-2 Test Works
In the ISO 13629-2 antiviral test, a known quantity of virus is inoculated onto the textile specimen. After a specific contact period — typically two hours, extendable up to 24 hours depending on product use — the remaining infectious virus is quantified.
The reduction in virus count is calculated by comparing results from the antiviral test specimen with those from an untreated reference specimen. Quantification is performed using either a plaque assay or TCID₅₀ (Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose) method.
Test Organisms
Commonly used test viruses include Influenza A (H3N2 and H1N1) and Feline calicivirus. Other viral species can be accommodated upon request.
Quantification Method
Results are measured using plaque assay or TCID₅₀ — highly sensitive methods that accurately quantify the amount of infectious virus remaining after contact with the treated textile.
Contact Period
Standard contact time is 2 hours, extendable to 24 hours where the product’s intended use requires a longer exposure period to be assessed.
Independent Validation
On successful completion, products can be described as tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 13629-2 — providing independent, third-party validation to support antiviral performance claims.
Airmid Healthgroup’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory delivers high-quality, science-based testing to help manufacturers substantiate antiviral efficacy and comply with global regulatory standards.
Turnaround Time
~4 weeks from receipt of samples
Request a Quote for ISO 13629-2 Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your antiviral textile testing requirements and request a custom quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 13629-2 and what does it measure?
ISO 13629-2 is an international standard that specifies the method for testing the antiviral activity of treated textile products. It measures the reduction in infectious virus on a treated fabric compared to an untreated control, expressed as a log reduction value — giving manufacturers a scientifically robust figure to support antiviral product claims.
What is the difference between ISO 13629-2 and ISO 18184?
Both standards test antiviral activity in textiles, but ISO 18184 is more widely used internationally and covers a slightly broader range of textile types. ISO 13629-2 is particularly relevant for products where the contact period needs to be extended beyond the standard 2-hour test. Airmid can advise which standard is most appropriate for your product and target market.
Which viruses are used in ISO 13629-2 testing?
The standard commonly uses Influenza A viruses (H3N2 and H1N1) and Feline calicivirus as test organisms. Airmid can also accommodate other viral species upon request, particularly where the manufacturer needs data against a specific virus relevant to their product’s intended application.
How is the antiviral result expressed?
Results are expressed as a log reduction in infectious virus on the treated textile compared to the untreated control. For example, a 2-log reduction means a 99% reduction in infectious virus. This figure directly supports marketing claims such as “reduces viruses by 99%” when independently validated.
Can ISO 13629-2 testing support a regulatory submission or certification?
Yes. Data generated by Airmid Healthgroup’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory to ISO 13629-2 can support regulatory submissions, retailer compliance requirements, and certification applications. Products can be described as independently tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 13629-2, strengthening consumer and regulatory confidence in your antiviral claims.
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- ISO 18184:2019 — Antiviral Activity of Textiles
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