Ability of a Viral Penetration Test (ASTM F1671-95) to Detect Small Holes

A modified version of ASTM Test Method F167195, Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System, was characterized using as test material pieces of condom latex with laser-drilled holes of known size. The modified test included the initial 5-min, no-pressure period together with the 1-min, 2-psi period, but eliminated the final 54-min, no-pressure period. Virus penetration was detected for all holes with diameters above 1.0 µm. The quantitative results were in good agreement with calculated fluid flow through a cylinder (Poiseuille equation) for holes above 2 µm. A brief argument is presented suggesting that the final 54-min period at no pressure be eliminated from the test protocol.