MICROBIOLOGY

The Laboratory of Biodegradation and Microbiological Testing performs microbiological testing services for companies operating in the textile, medical, polymer, paper, military, furniture, and packaging industries. Since 2002, the Laboratory has held accreditation from the Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA) within the scope of AB 388.
It is the longest-operating laboratory in Poland providing services in the field of microbiological testing of textiles, polymers, paper, and paperboard. It is the only laboratory in Poland, within the scope of PCA accreditation, authorized to perform tests of microbiological activity and resistance to mould fungi of fabrics, as well as microbiological cleanliness testing of paper and paperboard.
The Laboratory is also unique nationwide in conducting tests related to the evaluation of textile medical products, including surgical gowns, surgical drapes, and single-use and reusable clothing for operating theatre staff, with regard to microbiological testing and linting resistance.

Accredited tests

• PN-EN ISO 20743:2021-12 Textiles — Determination of antibacterial activity of finished textile products with antibacterial finish — Absorption method.
• PN-EN ISO 20645:2006 Determination of antibacterial activity — Agar diffusion plate test.
• PN-EN 14119:2005, clause 10.5 (B2) Antifungal activity — Agar diffusion test — Visual assessment.
• NO-06-A107:2021, clauses 4.14 and 5.17 Resistance to the action of mould fungi according to defence standards for military weapons and equipment.
• ISO 8784-1:2014 Pulp, paper and board — Microbiological examination — Total count of bacteria and bacterial spores — Plate count method.
• ISO 8784-3:2022 Pulp, paper and board — Microbiological examination — Part 3: Total count of moulds and yeasts — Plate count method.

Non-accredited tests

Medical devices. Testing of textile medical devices is performed in accordance with the requirements of the following standards:

• PN-EN 13795-1:2019-05 Surgical clothing and drapes — Requirements and test methods — Part 1: Surgical drapes and surgical gowns.
• PN-EN 13795-2:2019-05 Surgical clothing and drapes — Requirements and test methods — Part 2: Clean air suits.

For the following parameters:

• Resistance to wet bacterial penetration according to PN-EN ISO 22610:2007
  Surgical drapes, gowns and clean air suits, used as medical devices for patients, clinical staff and equipment — Test method for resistance to wet bacterial penetration.
• Resistance to dry microbial penetration according to PN-EN ISO 22612:2006
  Protective clothing against infective agents — Test method for resistance to penetration by micro-organisms (dry).
• Linting according to PN-EN ISO 9073-10:2006
  Textiles — Test methods for nonwovens — Part 10: Linting in the dry state.
• Microbiological cleanliness (bioburden) according to PN-EN ISO 11737-1:2018-03
  Sterilization of health care products — Microbiological methods — Part 1: Determination of a population of microorganisms on products.

Other non-accredited tests

Textiles:

• AATCC TM 100 Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials: Assessment of Antibacterial Activity.
• PN-EN 14683+AC:2019-09 Medical face masks — Requirements and test methods — Annex D: Microbiological cleanliness — Filtration method.
• ASTM E2149 Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions.
• AATCC TM 147 Antibacterial Activity Assessment of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak Method.
• PN-EN 14119 Textile testing — Evaluation of the action of microfungi — Method A1.

Polymers:

• ISO 22196:2011 Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces.
• ASTM E2180 Standard Test Method for Determining the Activity of Incorporated Antimicrobial Agent(s) in Polymeric or Hydrophobic Materials.
• PN-EN ISO 846:2019 Plastics — Evaluation of the action of microorganisms.

Paper and paperboard:

• PN-EN 1104:2019 Paper and board intended to come into contact with foodstuffs — Determination of the transfer of antimicrobial constituents.
• ISO 8784-1:2005 Pulp, paper and board — Microbiological examination.
• T 487 pm-99 Fungus resistance of paper and paperboard.

If required, we expand the scope of testing and accreditation. Test methods are adapted to the client’s needs and the specific characteristics of the material tested.
The Laboratory of Biodegradation and Microbiological Testing cooperates with national and international laboratories in the organization of and participation in proficiency testing and/or interlaboratory comparisons (PT/ILC).
The Laboratory maintains an extensive collection of microbial strains sourced from the ATCC (American Type Culture Collection).