1. Scope
2. Scope 2.1Microbiological test methods present challenges that are unique relative to chemical or physical parameters, because microbes proliferate, die off and continue to be metabolically active in samples after those samples have been drawn from their source. 2.1.1Microbial activity depends on the presence of available water. Consequently, the detection and quantification of microbial contamination in fuels and lubricants is made more complicated by the general absence of available water from these fluids. 2.1.2Detectability depends on the physiological state and taxonomic profile of microbes in samples. These two parameters are affected by various factors that are discussed in this Guide, and contribute to microbial data variability. 2.2This guide addresses the unique considerations than must be accounted for in the design and execution of interlaboratory studies intended to determine the precision of microbiological test methods designed to quantify microbial contamination in fuels, lubricants and similar low water-content (water activity 0.8) fluids.
Since it was first chartered,the D.02.14 fuel microbiology working group has developed a number of methods for which ILS are required. As noted in the Scope statement, there are a number of variability issues that are unique to microbiological testing - particularly when that testing is designed to quantify general microbial contamination levels in fluids such as fuels and lubricants. The document will provide technical contacts for all microbiological test methods consensus guidelines for ILS design and execution in order to help ensure that the requirements and expectations among Methods are consistent.
Keywords
microbiology; precision; interlaboratory study; variability; bacteria; fungi; fuel; lubricant
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
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