Antimicrobial Activity of New Carpets according to AATCC 174: 2022
AATCC 174: 2022
Principle
The main purpose of AATCC 174:2022 – Antimicrobial Activity Assessment of Carpets is to:
- Determine the efficacy of antimicrobial agents incorporated into or applied onto new carpets.
- Evaluate a carpet’s resistance to microbial growth.
- Compare the performance of antimicrobial-treated carpets to untreated ones.
- Aid manufacturers in quality control and product development.
Three test methods are used:
Qualitative Assessment (Agar Plate Method)
Purpose: To observe zones of inhibition indicating antimicrobial activity.
Procedure:
- Carpet specimens are placed onto agar plates inoculated with bacteria or fungi.
- After incubation (usually 24-48 hours), the area around the specimen is examined for zones where microbial growth is inhibited.
Result: Qualitative; based on presence and size of clear zones around the carpet.
Quantitative Assessment (Shake Flask Method)
Purpose: To quantitatively determine the reduction in microbial populations.
Procedure:
- Carpet specimens are placed in a flask with a microbial suspension and shaken for a defined time.
- The microbial count is determined before and after exposure using colony-forming unit (CFU) counts.
Result: Quantitative; expressed as a log reduction in microbial population.
Fungal Resistance (Mil-Std 810-type Test)
Purpose: To evaluate fungal growth on carpet materials under high humidity.
Procedure:
- Carpet samples are inoculated with fungi and incubated under warm, humid conditions (typically 28–30°C at ≥95% relative humidity).
- Growth is rated visually based on a standard scale (e.g., 0–4).
Result: Qualitative to semi-quantitative; evaluates extent of fungal colonization.
Test microorganisms
- Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli.
- Fungi: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Chaetomium globosum.
Applications
- Used by carpet manufacturers and product developers.
- Relevant for certification, marketing claims, and regulatory compliance.
- Supports decisions about antimicrobial treatment durability and efficacy.
Specific Testing Conditions
Specific conditions concerning our testing reports
Testing application form
If you have received a quotation, you're welcome to fill in and sign this form, and submit a printed copy together with your sample(s). In this way we can start testing immediately, and serve you much faster!