Ability of a viral penetration test (ASTMF1671-95) to detect small holes

摘要

A modified version of ASTM Test Method F1671-95, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System, was characterized using as test material pieces of condom latex with laser-drilled holes of known size. The modified test included the initial 5-min, no-pressure period together with the 1-min, 2-psi period, but eliminated the final 54-min, no-pressure period. Virus penetration wasdetected for all holes with diameters above 1.0μm. The quantitative results were in good agreement with calculated fluid flow through a cylinder (Poiseuille equation) for holes above 2μm. A brief argument is presented suggesting that the final 54-minperiod at no pressure be eliminated from the test protocol.