Overview
ISO 15621:2017 - "Absorbent incontinence aids for urine and/or faeces - General guidelines on evaluation" provides high‑level guidance for evaluating disposable and reusable absorbent incontinence aids. The standard frames how to assess products (pads, pull‑ons, all‑in‑ones, belted products) in laboratory tests and real‑world user trials, and it describes the user, product and usage factors that should drive evaluation and product selection. Its aim is to help stakeholders choose products that preserve quality of life, dignity and independence for people with urinary and/or faecal incontinence.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear terms such as absorption capacity, acquisition speed, retention capacity, rewet, end user and carer are defined to standardize evaluation language.
- Evaluation framework: Evaluations should consider three main factor groups:
- User‑related factors: quality of life, independence vs. need for assistance, end‑user characteristics (mobility, dexterity, gender, severity of incontinence), and individual needs.
- Product‑related factors: freedom from leakage and odour, skin health, comfort and fit, discretion, and ergonomics.
- Usage‑related factors: caregiver needs, information/labeling, laundry/disposal facilities, environmental/sustainability concerns, safety and cost.
- Testing methods: Guidance on laboratory testing, user trials, and combined approaches; interpretation of test results and considerations for sample size are addressed to support reliable comparisons.
- Product types: Classification of common product forms (pads/inserts, pads for underwear, pull‑ons, all‑in‑one briefs, belted products) to ensure evaluations are product‑appropriate.
Practical applications and users
ISO 15621:2017 is useful for:
- Manufacturers and product developers - to align product testing and labeling with recognized evaluation factors.
- Healthcare purchasers and procurement managers - to inform tenders and selection criteria that reflect user needs and cost‑effectiveness.
- Prescribers, clinicians and nursing homes - to choose suitable aids that improve patient comfort and reduce leakage/skin issues.
- Caregivers and end users - to understand what product features affect independence, ease of handling and dignity.
- Regulators and insurers - to assess product claims and justify reimbursement decisions.
By focusing on both technical measurements (absorption, retention, rewet) and real‑world usability (ergonomics, odor control, disposal and sustainability), ISO 15621 supports balanced, user‑centred product evaluation.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 15621:2017, absorbent incontinence aids, evaluation guidelines, absorption capacity, retention capacity, rewet, user trials, product testing, healthcare procurement.