AIR PERMEABILITY
A cleanroom garment fabric is tested for air permeability in accordance with ASTM D737. Air permeability is a measurement of the rate of air flow through a fabric under a given pressure differential. The result is an indirect measurement of both the comfort and particle filtration efficiency of a cleanroom garment.

BIOBURDEN
The bioburden of a material is a measurement of the number of viable microorganisms which grow into colonies after being inoculated onto growth media. Samples of water and materials are tested using standard microbiological techniques (contact plates, pour plates, Millipore samplers, etc.). The results are used in the areas of Quality Control, Sterility Assurance, environmental monitoring and cleaning validation.

ESD, STATIC DECAY TIME
Static decay time is a measurement of the time it takes for an induced 5000 volt static charge on a material to decay to 50 volts following grounding. The test is performed in accordance with ASTM D257. Test results offer an indication of both the material's safety and compatability in an ESD sensitive environment. Extremely fast decay times indicate that the material is a conductor and may be a safety hazard. Slow decay times indicate that the charge does not dissipate well and may discharge through a spark, damaging electronic devices.

ESD, SURFACE RESISTIVITY
Surface resistivity is a measurement of a material's ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge. The test is performed in accordance with various standards, including Federal Standard 101c Method 4046.1, ANSI/EOS/ESD 11.11, and ESD STM 12.1. Test results allow the material or item to be classified as conductive, static-dissipative, anti-static or insulative. The classification will determine compatability with specific ESD controlled environments.

EXTRACTABLE ANIONS
In this test, the sample is soaked in DI Water for a specified period of time. The water is then tested for chloride, bromide, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulfate using Ion Chromatography. Results are reported ppb (nanograms of ion per gram of sample).

EXTRACTABLE CATIONS
In this test, the sample is soaked in DI water for specified period of time. The water is then tested for ammonium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium and sodium using Ion Chromatography. Results are reported in ppb (nanograms of ion per gram of sample).

EXTRACTABLE ION SCREEN
In this test, the sample is soaked in DI water for specified period of time. The water is then tested for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium using ICP Spectrometry, and for chloride using an Ion Selective Electrode. Results are reported in ppm (micrograms of ion per gram of sample).

FILTRATION EFFICIENCY, AIR
Also called the particle penetration test, this method is performed in accordance with IEST-RP-CC003.2. As air is drawn through a cleanroom garment fabric at a differential pressure of 1.0 inches w.g., particle counts are determined upstream and downstream of the fabric sample using an Airborne Particle Counter. The particle count data is used to calculate the filtration efficiency of the fabric. Results offer an indication of the barrier properties of the fabric.

FILTRATON EFFICIENCY, LIQUID
In this test, the fabric is challenged with water containing a known quantity of particles. The number of particles passing through the fabric is determined using a Liquid Particle Counter and the filtration efficiency of the fabric calculated. This test is intended for all types of fabrics and measures the fabric's barrier properties in a wet environment.

MICROBIAL CHARACTERIZATION
Microbial colonies, either submitted by the client or grown in our laboratory from submitted materials, are Gram stained and examined microscopically. The staining result and morphology offer an indication of the source of the microbes (water, soil, human skin, etc., ). This information can be used by the client to improve both the cleanliness of their products and their controlled environments.

MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE
MVTR is a measurement of how much water vapor passes through a cleanroom garment fabric in a 24 hour period. The test is performed in accordance with ASTM E96. Test results offer an indication of how well perspiration can pass through the fabric and is an indirect measurement of comfort for the garment wearer.

NON-VOLATILE RESIDUE
In this test, the sample is soaked or boiled in a given solvent for a specified period of time. The solvent is then filtered and evaporated, and the remaining residue weighed. This test is useful in evaluating the potential for an item to cause chemical contamination.

OUTGASSING
Outgassing is a measurement of the quantity of volatile chemicals released from a material while it is heated. Quantitative testing is performed by gravimetric methods. Qualitative testing is performed in accordance with ASTM E595 using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Test results offer an indication of the material's tendency to contaminate surfaces in a controlled environment with airborne molecular compounds.

PARTICLE CLEANLINESS, ASTM F51
In this test, a garment is vacuumed using an aerosol sampler containing a 0.8-micron membrane filter. Particles are pulled off of the surface of the garment and trapped on the membrane. The number of particles > 5.0 microns per square foot of garment is determined microscopically. The test is intended for evaluating garments made from woven fabrics and measures the cleanliness of the fabric surface.

PARTICLE CLEANLINESS, HELMKE DRUM
In this test, a garment or consumable is tumbled in a stainless steel drum while garment counts are taken in the air above it. An Airborne Particle Counter is used to determine the number of particles >0.3 microns per cubic foot of air. This test was initially developed for true barrier garments, such as those make from laminates or coated fabrics, but has been adapted to all types of cleanroom supplies. This test measures easily releasable particles on the item's surface.

PARTICLE CLEANLINESS,WET TEST
In this test, a portion of the sample is rinsed with ultrapure DI water, which is then tested for particles >0.2 microns using SEM, particles >0.3 microns using a Liquid Particle Counter or particles >5.0 microns and fibers using optical microscopy. The number of particles per unit area is determined. This test measures the number of insoluble particles on the sample's surface.

PARTICLE CONTAMINENT (BODY BOX) TEST
This test determines the amount of particle contamination released into a clean chamber while a garment is being worn. The number of particles >0.3 microns is determined using an Airborne Particle Counter. The total number of particles is a function of the cleanliness of the garment, the openness of the fabric weave and the garment design.

In this test, a gowned subject, in a controlled change area, dons a set of cleanroom apparel. The test volunteer enters the body box through the controlled change area and performs a variety of standardized exercises while in the body box. The body box air is tested to determine the number of particles released via an appropriately attached airborne particle counter that draws out the air from the body box. This test is used to determine the relative differences between various sets of apparel when in use or in a static position. It is not an absolute test because individuals may disperse particles at different rates.

PARTICLE TRANSFER (CONTACT) TEST
This test is based on the tape lift method described in ASTM E1216. A piece of clean tape is applied to the surface of the sample for a designated time and a specific mass placed on top of it. The tape is then removed and the number of particles >5.0 microns and fibers counted microscopically. Test results can offer an indication of an item's tendency to shed particles when subjected to a moderate adhesive force.

PORE SIZE EVALUATION
This test utilizes a Scanning Electron Microscope or Optical Microscope to measure the size of the pores in the fabric weave. Also, the fibers are examined at high magnification for defects such as cracks, which could lead to a shortened garment life. For barrier fabrics, SEM can be used to evaluate the consistency and integrity of the coating.

In the bubble point method, a known pressure is delivered to the material via a controlled source and the down-stream readings correlate to the maximum pore size in the sample tested. These tests are performed primarily on fabrics and filter media materials.

SORBENCY
Absorbent products are tested for a variety of characteristics including basis weight (g/sq.m), extrinsic sorbency (ml/sq.m), intrinsic sorbency (ml/g), sorbency rate (seconds) and time to half-sorption (seconds). Testing is performed gravimetrically using ultrapure DI water.

TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON
Total organic carbon testing is performed on water samples per EPA 415.1 using a TOC Analyzer. The results are an indicator of water quality and cleaning efficacy.

TRACE METALS
A material is extracted for a period of time using the specified solvent. The extract is then analyzed for trace metals using ICP/MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry). The results offer an indication of the material's tendency to transfer metallic contaminants to products and controlled environments.

REMINDER:

Test results can vary between laboratories due to differences in analytical equipment and sample prep methods and environmental conditions. If comparing one product to another, it is best to submit both products to the same lab for side-by-side testing and comparision.