ASTM E1838-02

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

1.2 Standard test methods to assess the capacity of hygienic handwash and handrub agents to reduce virus levels on hands are not presently available. This test method, therefore, has been designed to determine the comparative virus-eliminating effectiveness of germicidal or non-germicidal 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 (5).

1.3 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.