5.1 Microbial decontamination of environmental surfaces by wiping is subject to many variables (4), and failure to standardize them properly during testing of towelettes may give inconsistent test data. (See Practice E2362 and Test Method E2896.) In particular, precise control of the pressure applied during wiping, the normally brief wiping times of a few seconds as well as the style and number of wiping strokes are difficult without a programmable mechanical device. The Wiperator has been designed and tested with these crucial factors in mind. The method described here is to assess the role of wiping in ridding non-porous environmental surfaces of bacterial contamination using prewetted towelettes, and also to determine if the used towelette can transfer viable contamination to clean surfaces on contact.

1.1 This standard is designed for use with a mechanized device (the Wiperator; Appendix X1) to test pre-wetted towelettes.

1.2 Two species of vegetative bacteria, one Gram-positive coccus (Staphylococcus aureus) and one Gram-negative bacillus (Acinetobacter baumannii), representing important nosocomial pathogens, are used to separately contaminate disks of magnetized and brushed stainless steel in order to test the towelettes for their relative ability to:

1.3 This test method is not meant for use with towelettes for decontamination of skin.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses, if any, are for information only.

1.5 This test method should be performed by persons with training in microbiology in facilities designed and equipped for work with infectious agents at the appropriate biosafety level.

1.6 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations are required and to follow them where appropriate.

1.7 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.