ASTM F 838 : 2015 : REV A

1.1This test method determines the bacterial retention characteristics of membrane filters for liquid filtration using Brevundimonas diminuta as the challenge organism. This test method may be employed to evaluate any membrane filter system used for liquid sterilization.

1.2This test method is not intended to be used in performance of product- and process-specific validation of the bacterial retention characteristics of membrane filters to be used in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical sterilizing filtration, or both. Process- and product-specific bacterial retention validation should be carried out using the intended product manufacturing process parameters and the product solution or surrogate as the carrier fluid.

1.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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.