EN ISO 22610
EN ISO 22610 reproduces the most realistic stress situation for surgical textiles: moisture and mechanical friction occur simultaneously.
Test principle: a donor contaminated with a bacterial suspension, typically Staphylococcus aureus, is placed on the test material. A rotating arm applies friction in defined cycles while the material is kept wet. Colony-forming units penetrating to the reverse side are determined using culture media.
Result: the barrier index runs up to 6.0; a higher value means better retention. Complete impermeability corresponds to the maximum value.
Application: the standard is a test basis in EN 13795 for surgical drapes, gowns and clean air suits, and forms part of the test framework of EN 14126 for protective clothing against infective agents.
Distinction: EN ISO 22612 addresses the same question in the dry state without abrasion.
Frequently asked questions
What does the barrier index under EN ISO 22610 measure?
How well a material retains bacteria under simultaneous moisture and abrasion. The scale runs to 6.0; higher values indicate better barrier performance, with the maximum representing complete impermeability.
How does EN ISO 22610 differ from EN ISO 22612?
EN ISO 22610 tests wet and with mechanical friction; EN ISO 22612 tests dry and without friction. Wet testing better reflects operating theatre conditions, while dry testing is relevant to particle-borne microbial transfer.
Which standards reference EN ISO 22610?
Principally EN 13795 for surgical drapes, gowns and clean air suits, and EN 14126 as one of the test methods for protective clothing against infective agents.