Antibacterial Finish Test Methods and Acceptable Limits
Antibacterial Finish is verified through ISO 20743 or AATCC 100. Knowing how the method works avoids rejecting fabric that actually meets the requirement.
Method overview
ISO 20743 or AATCC 100 defines sample size, conditioning and calculation, so values are comparable only within the same revision. Working figures for Antibacterial Finish normally sit around 99% reduction target in mainstream production. Note ISO 20743 or AATCC 100 on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Result interpretation
Read the value together with construction notes; 99% reduction target is only meaningful for similar fabrics. Record elastane content alongside Antibacterial Finish, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 99% reduction target usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
Typical limits
Buyers commonly write 99% reduction target with a stated tolerance, then verify against ISO 20743 or AATCC 100. Keeping reference values for Antibacterial Finish lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with ISO 20743 or AATCC 100, since both affect the reading.
Sources of variation
Conditioning time, operator technique and shade all influence the result. Working figures for Antibacterial Finish normally sit around 99% reduction target in mainstream production. Note ISO 20743 or AATCC 100 on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Documentation
Record the standard revision on every report, because older versions can differ from current practice. Record elastane content alongside Antibacterial Finish, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside 99% reduction target usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
