Overview
ISO 18184:2019 - Textiles: Determination of antiviral activity of textile products specifies laboratory test methods for quantitatively measuring the antiviral activity of textile products. It provides a standardized approach to determine the reduction of infective virus particles on textile surfaces (woven and knitted fabrics, fibres, yarns, braids, etc.). The standard gives a quantitative framework based on measuring infective virus titre and is intended to produce objective data for producers, laboratories, regulators and purchasers. ISO 18184:2019 is the second edition, technically revising the 2014 version.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and limitations
- Applies to textiles and related products; results for one test virus cannot be transposed to other viruses due to differing virus sensitivities.
- Test principle
- Quantifies antiviral performance by measuring reduction in infective virus titre after contact with a textile.
- Test viruses and host cells
- Annexes list example virus strains and host-cell systems; any appropriate cellular system may be used but testing conditions must be reported.
- Primary assay methods
- Plaque assay (annex B) and TCID50 method (annex C) are the two supported quantification methods; choice depends on laboratory experience and convenience.
- Sample and test preparation
- Detailed procedures for specimen preparation, sterilization of apparatus, reagent/media composition, restoration and subculture of host cells, and virus suspension preparation.
- Test procedure
- Virus deposition, defined contact times, wash-out procedures and serial dilution steps for infectivity determination.
- Data handling
- Calculation of infectious titre (plaque count or TCID methods), computation of antiviral activity values and reporting requirements.
- Supporting information
- Annexes include media compositions, alternate testing using SPF embryonated eggs (informative), antiviral performance guidance, and interlaboratory test results.
Practical applications and users
Who uses ISO 18184?
- Textile manufacturers developing antiviral finishes or treated materials
- Independent testing laboratories and quality-control teams
- R&D groups (medical textiles, PPE, bedding, upholstery)
- Healthcare facilities, retailers and procurement specialists evaluating product claims
- Regulators and certification bodies assessing antiviral performance claims
Typical applications:
- Verifying antiviral treatments for face masks, hospital linens, protective clothing and consumer textiles
- Generating reproducible antiviral performance data for labeling, compliance and marketing
- Supporting product development and comparative testing
Related standards
- ISO 105‑F02 (referenced in ISO 18184) - specification for cotton and viscose adjacent fabrics used in related textile tests
Keywords: ISO 18184:2019, antiviral activity, antiviral textile testing, plaque assay, TCID, infectivity titre, textile standards, antiviral textiles.
