ASTM F2100-19e1 Standard Specification for the Performance of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks

The ASTM F2100-19e1 standard, developed by the American Testing and Materials Association (ASTM), contains a specification covering the tests and requirements for the materials used in the production of medical face masks used in the provision of health services such as surgery and patient care. This specification classifies the performance of medical face mask materials. The performance of medical face mask materials is based on tests for bacterial filtration efficiency, differential pressure, submicron particle filtration efficiency, resistance to synthetic blood penetration and flammability. The full name of this standard is as follows: ASTM F2100-19e1 Standard specification for the performance of materials used in medical face masks.

The specification in this standard does not address all aspects of medical face mask design and performance. In addition, it does not evaluate the effectiveness of medical face mask designs in relation to barrier and breathability properties. Likewise, this specification does not apply to regulated respiratory protection required for some healthcare services.

Briefly, the ASTM F2100-19e1 standard includes classification and performance requirements and test methods for materials used in the production of medical face masks used in healthcare services such as surgery and patient care. This standard specifies five basic criteria for performance requirements in medical face masks:

• Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) measures how well the mask filters bacteria in the face of the threat of a bacteria-containing aerosol.
• Particle filtration efficiency (PF) evaluates the non-viable particle retention or filtering efficiency of filter media and other filtration devices at submicron levels.
• Fluid resistance demonstrates the ability of the mask to minimize the amount of liquid passing from the outer layers to the inner layer as a result of a splash or spray.
• The differential pressure (Delta P) measures how easily air passes from one side of the mask to the other.
• Exposure of the face mask material to a flame in the face of potential fire hazards due to flammability, oxygen and other gases used for anesthesia in operating rooms dIn this case, it measures the time required for the flame to pass through the material.

With the experience gained over many years, our organization also provides standard specification testing services regarding the performance of materials used in ASTM F2100-19e1 medical face masks within the framework of laboratory services of the materials with a trained and expert staff.