ASTM E2315-16

1.1 This guide covers an example of a method that measures the changes in a population of aerobic microorganisms within a specified sampling time when antimicrobial test materials are present. Several options for organism selection and growth, inoculum preparation, sampling times and temperatures are provided. When the technique is performed as a specific test method, it is critical that the above mentioned variables have been standardized. Antimicrobial activity of specific materials, as measured by this technique, may vary significantly depending on variables selected. It is important to understand the limitations of in vitro tests, especially comparisons of results from tests performed with different parameters. As an example, test results of microorganisms requiring growth supplements or special incubation conditions may not be directly comparable to organisms evaluated without those stated conditions.