ASTM E2870-19 Standard Practice for Evaluating the Relative Efficacy of Antimicrobial Handwash Formulations Using Palmar Surface and Mechanical Hand Sampling

In the ASTM E2870-19 standard, developed by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), a test method for determining the relative effectiveness of antimicrobial hand washing agents in reducing temporary microorganisms by performing a controlled hand wash is presented. This test method should be applied by individuals who have received microbiology education. The ASTM E2870-19 standard is used to evaluate (topical) antimicrobial handwash formulations applied to body surfaces. When applying this test method, it is absolutely necessary to comply with the legal regulations for the protection of human subjects.

Hand hygiene is an important practice to prevent the spread of many types of infections. During routine activities, the palmar surface, consisting primarily of the palms of the hands, fingers and finger pads, is contaminated with transient microorganisms. Contamination is then transferred to touched or carried items or other parts of the body. For palmar contamination, the test method presented to the ASTM E2784 standard is taken into account (standard test method for evaluating the effectiveness of handwash formulations using the ASTM E2784-1 Paper towel (palmar) hand contamination method).

Test method presented in ASTM E2870-19 standard, Unlike ASTM E1174, ASTM E2755 and ASTM E2784 standards, it allows a direct comparison between two formulations on the same subject. In addition, this test method uses a mechanical scrubbing machine in conjunction with the glove water technique to more efficiently recover live test bacteria from the palms. This equipment provides more bacteria recovery from palms than traditional recovery methods such as mechanical sampling and massage.

The ASTM D2870-19 standard does not claim to address all safety concerns, if any, for its use. It is the direct responsibility of the user applying this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory restrictions prior to use.

With the experience gained over many years, our organization also provides standard testing services to the demanding enterprises, within the framework of laboratory services of the materials with a trained and expert staff, to evaluate the relative effectiveness of antimicrobial hand washing formulations using ASTM E2870-19 Palmar surface and mechanical hand sampling.