ASTM E1838-17
Standard Test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adults

Standard No.

ASTM E1838-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM E1838-17

Scope

1.1 Human skin is not known to carry viruses as a part of its resident microbiota, with the notable exception of papilloma viruses (10). Hands transiently contaminated with viruses can, however, act as vehicles for the spread of many types of viral infections. Hand hygiene is meant to reduce the load of viruses and other transient microorganisms on hands, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. Such reductions in the virus load may be due to a combination of virus inactivation and mechanical removal of infectious virus from the skin. 1.2 This test method is designed to determine the comparative virus-eliminating effectiveness of microbicidal or nonmicrobicidal formulations. This test method is not meant for use with surgical hand scrubs or preoperative skin preps. NOTE 1—The test method should be performed by persons with training in virology in facilities designed and equipped for work with infectious agents at biosafety level 2 (11). 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E1838-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM E2011 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Handwashing Formulations for Virus-Eliminating Activity Using the Entire Hand
• ASTM E2276 Standard Test Method for Determining the Bacteria-Eliminating Effectiveness of Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adults*， 2019-01-01 Update
• ASTM E2613 Standard Practice for Determining the Fungus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adults*， 2023-01-01 Update

ASTM E1838-17 history

• 2017 ASTM E1838-17 Standard Test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adults
• 2010 ASTM E1838-10 Standard Test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adults
• 2002 ASTM E1838-02 Standard Test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Liquid Hygienic Handwash and Handrub Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adult Volunteers
• 1996 ASTM E1838-96 Standard Test Method for Determining the Virus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Liquid Hygienic Handwash Agents Using the Fingerpads of Adult Volunteers