1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers the collection of particulate by wipe sampling using a friction/slip/peel tester or equivalent apparatus to control relevant wipe sampling factors such as applied force and velocity. Control over the sample collection factors as described in this practice allows for direct comparison of particulate collection efficiency of different wipe materials that may be used in wipe sampling of biological (bacterial and spore cells) and explosives threats. In this practice, collection efficiency is determined by microscopic counting of fluorescent microspheres used as surrogates for actual threat particles. 1.2 This practice may be used for either dry or wet wipe sampling. 1.3 This practice may be used with a variety of surfaces relevant to wipe sampling applications. 1.4 This practice provides a means to determine sample collection efficiencies for known wipe/surface combinations. This practice provides an objective means to measure, evaluate, and compare sample collection efficiencies. 1.5 This practice does not address the collection efficiency expected during field sampling. The wipe efficiency determined with this practice can be combined with additional collection efficiency data to provide an estimate for field sample collection efficiency but does not replace performance validation of field sample collection procedures. 1.6 This practice uses fluorescent microspheres as surrogates for threat particles but may also be used with actual threat material. 1.7 This practice uses fluorescence microscopy to quantify collection efficiency by counting fluorescent microspheres either remaining on the surface or collected by the wipe or both. 1.8 Units--The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.9 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.

Keywords

wipe collection; particulate; slip/peel tester; surface substrate

Rationale

This standard is needed to evaluate wipe collection efficiency for collection of potential threat materials. Currently, it is very challenging for new wipe materials to be brought to market because there is no route for material developers to demonstrate equivalence or superiority of their new material relative to existing materials already on the market. This standard will enable wipe developers and manufacturers to more objectively evaluate wipe materials, ultimately leading to innovation and improvement in wipe collection of threat materials.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.