ASTM E 1838 : 2010

1.1 Human skin is not known to carry viruses as a part of its resident microbiota. Hands transiently contaminated with viruses can, however, act as vehicles for the spread of many types of viral infections. Hand hygiene is meant to reduce the load of viruses and other transient microorganisms on hands, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. Such reductions in the virus load may be due to a combination of virus inactivation and mechanical removal of infectious virus from the skin.

1.2 This test method is designed to determine the comparative virus-eliminating effectiveness of microbicidal or non-microbicidal formulations. This test method is not meant for use with surgical hand scrubs or preoperative skin preps.

Note 1—The test method should be performed by persons with training in virology in facilities designed and equipped for work with infectious agents at biosafety level 2 (6).

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.