What is ISO 22612?

ISO 22612:2005 specifies a test method for assessing the resistance to penetration through barrier materials of bacteria-carrying particles. ISO 22612 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing and equipment, Subcommittee SC 13, Protective clothing, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN 
This standard EN ISO 22612 describes a test method, with the associated equipment, that may be used to determine a material's resistance to dry penetration of bacteria on particles in the size range most typical for human skin scales

Due to its complexity, this ISO 22612:2005 cannot be considered as a useful method for routine quality control but may suit the needs when a material is assessed for compliance with the requirements of current regulations such as EU Directive 93/42/EEC.

Summary of tests

Resistance to dry microbial penetration, ISO 22612

• Dry microbial penetration determines the ability of contaminated particles to migrate through materials. Test specimens are fixed in a container and talc contaminated with ≥108 colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of B. atrophaeus is poured onto the test specimen. A sedimentation plate is inserted at the base of each container at a short distance below the test specimen. The apparatus supporting the containers is vibrated at approximately 20,800 rpm for 30 minutes. The talc that penetrates the test material is captured on the sedimentation plate which is removed after testing and incubated.