Overview
ISO 13629-2:2014 - Textiles: Determination of antifungal activity of textile products - Part 2: Plate count method specifies a laboratory test for the quantitative measurement of antifungal activity of textile products using a conventional plate count (CFU) technique. The method applies to a wide range of textile items - fibres, yarns, fabrics, clothing, bedclothes, home furnishings and other goods - and reports results as colony forming units (CFU) after controlled inoculation and incubation.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Test principle: Inoculate test and control specimens with a fungal spore suspension, incubate (30 °C for 48 h as specified), and determine fungal survival by counting colonies on agar plates (plate count method).
- Specimen methods: Two sample approaches - absorption method for water-absorbing specimens and transfer method for non-absorbing specimens.
- Reference fungi: Fungal strains to be used are listed in Annex A; strain source and number must be reported.
- Culture media and reagents: Standard media are specified, e.g. Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB), Potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). A neutralizing solution (SCDLP) composition and guidance for neutralizer validation are included.
- Spore suspension and inoculum control: Procedures for preparing, filtering/centrifuging, enumerating and adjusting spore suspensions are specified; the method uses tenfold dilutions for plate counting.
- Apparatus & conditions: Typical microbiology equipment is required - incubator (25–37 °C range), autoclave, Petri dishes, pipettes, centrifuge, hemacytometer, biosafety cabinet (MSC Type II), humidity chamber, etc.
- Safety and competence: Testing involves handling fungi and must follow microbiological safety guidance (ISO 7218) and trained personnel requirements.
- Results and reporting: Calculation of antifungal activity values from CFU counts and judgement criteria are provided; required test report elements include fungal strain, methods used and test conditions.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: Textile manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, quality control/assurance teams, research & development groups, certification bodies and regulators assessing antifungal treatments.
- Why use it: To validate antifungal finishes, compare treatments, support product claims, ensure compliance and guide product development for hygiene-sensitive textiles (medical, bedding, sportswear, upholstery).
Related standards
- ISO 13629-1 (Part 1: Luminescence method) - alternative quantitative method.
- ISO 7218 - microbiology general requirements and guidance.
- ISO 105-F02 - reference for control fabric specification.
Keywords: ISO 13629-2:2014, antifungal activity, plate count method, textile testing, CFU, spore suspension, Sabouraud dextrose agar, neutralizer, control fabric.