ASTM D7907 determines the bactericidal activity of medical gloves. The gloves of healthcare providers frequently come into contact with contamination from patients or bacteria which can survive for long periods of time on surfaces. Manufacturers introduce an antimicrobial on or into gloves to reduce the presence of bacteria on the glove and also reduce transmission onto other surfaces or patients.

The glove is inoculated with a test suspension of bacteria, including an interfering substance if required, and held in place with a cover slip. The glove is maintained for a specified contact time, following which the test glove and coverslip are transferred to neutraliser to suppress bactericidal action. The remaining viable bacteria are quantified and reductions calculated. Virologica hold a ISO 17025 accreditation for this method.

• Required bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Required contact times: 0, 5, 10 20 and 30 minutes. Other times may be added.
• End point: Colony counts and Log reductions and percentage reductions compared to the control glove and challenge inoculum.

Acceptance criteria: Not set by standard, to be set by appropriate agency for regulatory submissions or manufacturer for screening.