Modification of ASTM F 1671-97a, Resistance of Materials to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens, for Use with Elastomeric Materials
Kisielewski RW, Routson LB, Chaput MP, Lytle CD
(Received 22 July 1999; accepted 30 November 1999)

Abstract
A modification to ASTM F 1671-97a, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-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 holes (³1 mm) fail this test by allowing virus penetration, nitrile-butadiene rubber specimens with small tears (20 to 45 mm) pass. A stainless steel wire cloth support screen with a hemispherical-like dome, in lieu of the flat screen, provided controlled expansion and allowed detection of defective specimens with tears. The data also suggest a similar modification to enhance ASTM F 1670-97, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood.

Keywords:
barrier test, biological hazard, blood-borne pathogens, elastomeric materials, pathogens, protective clothing, viral penetration

Paper ID: JTE28211

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Author Kisielewski RW, Routson LB, Chaput MP, Lytle CD Title Modification of ASTM F 1671-97a, Resistance of Materials to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens, for Use with Elastomeric Materials Symposium , Committee on