Modification of ASTM F 1671-97a, resistance of materials to penetration byblood-borne pathogens, for use with elastomeric materials

A modification to ASTM F 1671-97a, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using P hi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System, was developed to allow evaluation of elastomeric materials having small tears. The original method provides for a flat, open-mesh support screen to prevent expansion of such materials. While natural latex rubber specimens with open, laser-drilled h oles (greater than or equal to 1 mu m) fail this test by allowing virus pen etration , nitrile-butadiene rubber specimens with small tears (20 to 45 pm ) pass. A stainless steel wire cloth support screen with a hemispherical-li ke dome, in lieu of the flat screen, provided controlled expansion and allo wed detection of defective specimens with tears. The data also suggest a si milar modification to enhance ASTM F 1670-97, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood.