This specification covers the classifications, performance requirements, and test methods for the materials used in the construction of medical face masks that are used in health care services such as surgery and patient care. Medical face mask material performance is based on testing for bacterial filtration efficiency, differential pressure, sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency, resistance to penetration by synthetic blood, and flammability. This specification does not address all aspects of medical face mask design and performance, the effectiveness of medical face mask designs as related to the barrier and breathability properties, and respiratory protection, which may be necessary for some health care services.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers testing and requirements for materials used in the construction of medical face masks that are used in providing health care services such as surgery and patient care.

1.2 This specification provides for the classification of medical face mask material performance. Medical face mask material performance is based on testing for bacterial filtration efficiency, differential pressure, sub-micron particulate filtration efficiency, resistance to penetration by synthetic blood, and flammability.

1.3 This specification does not address all aspects of medical face mask design and performance. This specification does not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of medical face mask designs as related to the barrier and breathability properties. This specification does not also apply to respiratory protection, which may be necessary for some health care services.

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

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

ISO Standard

Military Standard

Federal Standards

ANSI/ASQC Standard

Index Terms

bacterial filtration efficiency; differential pressure; fluid resistance; general use; medical face masks; particle filtration efficiency; sub-micron filtration; Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE); Differential pressure (DP); Fluid resistance; Medical face masks; Medical materials/applications--specifications; Particle filtration efficiency; Performance--surgical materials/applications (specifications);

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 11.140 (Hospital equipment)

Citing ASTM Standards

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