This post will help you understand the context, performance criteria, and minimum requirements of ASTM levels in various medical masks and their respective uses fields.
ASTM General Overview
ASTM is the american society for testing and materials. ASTM International sets the preferred international standard in healthcare for best practices inclusive of testing and requirements for performance of materials.
Medical and surgical mask shortages are currently extraordinary. In some cases, states and hospitals have started to source PPE directly. Understanding quality and performance standards will help you identify your needs for PPE and authenticate compliant products.
ASTM performance benchmarks are reasonable indicators of price, quality, and performance.
What are ASTM Testing Methods for Medical Face Masks?
ASTM levels represent performance classes for face mask materials as bacterial filtration efficiency (ASTM F2101), sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency (ASTM F2299), differential pressure (MIL-M-36954C), fluid penetration resistance (ASTM F1862) and flammability (16 CFR Part 1610) [8].
ASTM F1494 – 14
Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
ASTM F2101 – 14
Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) of Medical Face Mask Materials, Using a Biological Aerosol of Staphylococcus aureus
ASTM F2101 tests the difference in upstream and downstream bacteria counts before and after a test agent is aerosolized through a mask material.
ASTM F2299 / F2299M – 03(2017)
Standard Test Method for Determining the Initial Efficiency of Materials Used in Medical Face Masks to Penetration by Particulates Using Latex Spheres
Continue to: ASTM F2299M Medical Face Mask Test Method – Filtration Efficacy Testing
ASTM F1862 / F1862M – 17
Standard Test Method for Resistance of Medical Face Masks to Penetration by Synthetic Blood (Horizontal Projection of Fixed Volume at a Known Velocity)
Continue to: Surgical Medical Masks ASTM Level 3 Requirements
ASTM F2100 – 11 Mask Requirements
This specification covers the classifications, performance requirements, and test methods for the materials used in the construction of medical face masks used in health care services such as surgery and patient care. (CDC)
How Have Face Masks Changed Over Time? A Brief History of Face Coverings
Masks were not always made from advanced textiles and multilayer construction. What makes these materials so meaningful when manufacturing PPE equipment, and how has mask technology changed over time?
Where Can I Buy FDA Approved KN95 Masks?
When you buy face masks from PAC you’ll have the benefit of masks shipped from USA warehouses, in-stock availability, and bulk pricing.
What’s a Medical Mask? Why is It Different from a Procedural Mask?
Medical masks by definition, must be validated at a minimum of ASTM Level 1.
What are the Standards for ASTM Face Mask Testing?
This post will help you understand the context, performance criteria, and minimum requirements of ASTM levels in various medical masks and their respective uses fields.
Surgical Medical Masks ASTM Level 3 Requirements
This post will help you understand meaningful differences between various face mask evaluation methods and best-case use. Understanding the most common mask materials and expected performance metrics helps buyers better decide which mask is most appropriate for associated risk, cost, and wellbeing.
ASTM F2299M Medical Face Mask Test Method – Filtration Efficacy Testing
The F2299M filtration efficacy test compares particle counts before a test media meets a filter apparatus (upstream) and then measures again after (downstream) the test media passes through the material.
