The COVID-19 outbreak has created a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the world, which has resulted in an increase in production to meet the demand.
The COVID-19 outbreak has created a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the world, which has resulted in an increase in production to meet the demand.
With medical face masks now beginning to see widespread use throughout the world, the standards and test with which they are required to undertake have become points of interest. The filtration efficiency of the masks is a key testing element that examines its ability to filter particles, bacteria, and viruses, which are also the most important consideration points during purchases.
While the Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) test determines the filtration efficiency by comparing the bacterial control counts (by using Staphylococcus aureus as the challenge organism) to test article effluent counts, the Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) test follows the same procedure as BFE, except the challenge organism used is the bacteriophage phiX174.
Aside from our recent accreditations from IAS and HOKLAS, SGS Hong Kong has developed testing services for Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) and by doing so, becomes the only laboratory in Hong Kong that can conduct such service.
Our wide range of performance testing services for medical face mask include:
| Test Item | Applicable Standards |
|---|---|
| Bacterial Filtration Efficacy (BFE) | ASTM F2101 |
| EN 14683 | |
| Particle Filtration Efficacy (PFE) | ASTM F2299 |
| EN 14683 | |
| Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) | ASTM F2101 (Modified) |
| EN 14683 (Modified) | |
| Differential Pressure | ASTM F2100 |
| EN 14683 | |
| Blood Penetration | ASTM F1862 |
| ISO 22609 | |
| Microbial Cleanliness | GB 15979 |
| EN 14683 |
Providing a one stop shop, SGS’ global network of PPE experts and accredited laboratories can ensure the compliance of face masks and PPE products with testing and certification requirements, help with technical files and coordinate with Notified Bodies for EC type examinations.
To purchase this service/ get a quote, please visit TIC Mall.
For enquiries, please contact one of our Sales Associates for details!
To obtain a copy in PDF, please click here.
Units 303 & 305, 3/F, Building 22E,
Phase 3, Hong Kong Science Park,
Pak Shek Kok, New Territories,
Hong Kong, China