Overview
ISO 19699-1:2017 defines standardized test methods for superabsorbent polymer (SAP) products based on sodium polyacrylate intended to absorb blood. The document covers laboratory procedures, sampling, required apparatus and a formulation for simulated blood used to replace human blood during testing. It applies to sodium polyacrylate resin as raw material and to SAP in final hygiene and medical products.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Test methods specific to sodium polyacrylate SAP used in physical hygiene (e.g., sanitary pads) and medical products (e.g., tourniquets, surgical dressings).
- Core property tests:
- Simulated blood tests:
- Simulated blood absorption capacity: mass-based gravimetric test using a polyamide “tea bag” with defined sample mass; standard specifies sampling, immersion (30 min), drip period (10 min), weighing and calculation (g simulated blood per g resin). Annex A gives the simulated blood formulation; Annex B compares simulated vs human blood absorption.
- Simulated blood absorption rate: time for 1 g of SAP to absorb 5.0 ml simulated blood (method details in the standard).
- Sampling & safety: Representative sampling procedures from bulk shipments and precautions (respiratory protection for >10 g handling).
- Normative references and traceability: links to related ISO test methods and analytical standards.
Note: ISO 19699-1:2017 draws attention to possible patent claims on some simulated blood test methods; the patent holder has declared willingness to license under reasonable terms.
Applications - who uses this standard
- SAP manufacturers for quality control of sodium polyacrylate resin
- Hygiene product and medical device manufacturers verifying absorbency performance for blood-contacting products
- Independent testing laboratories and QA departments conducting acceptance and batch testing
- Regulatory and procurement teams assessing material specifications and supplier claims
- R&D groups comparing formulations or scale-up batches using consistent absorption metrics
Related standards
- ISO 17190 series (pH, residual monomers, particle size, moisture, density)
- ISO 2470-2 (whiteness measurement)
- ISO 3696 (laboratory water)
- ISO 758 (density)
- EN 14370 (surface tension)
Using ISO 19699-1:2017 ensures consistent, repeatable measurement of blood-absorption properties for sodium polyacrylate SAP, enabling reliable product performance verification across manufacturing, testing and regulatory workflows.