Arco's Type IIR Mask Achieves High Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Performance
02 September 2020
Arco's Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask Achieves Consistently High Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Performance in Official Inter-Laboratory Comparison Study
An inter-laboratory comparison (ILC), also known as 'Round Robin Testing Standards', is an evaluation process that validates:
- The consistency of Standard's driven laboratory test methods
- The reliability of Standard's driven performance data across different laboratories
Inter laboratory comparisons are:
- Commissioned and funded by the European Standards Authorities and technical committees responsible for writing Standards
- Undertaken by UKAS accredited independent laboratory test and certification service organisations in the UK
A basic example of an inter laboratory comparison is the assessment of a standardised laboratory fabric cut test. Each participating laboratory must use the same testing components, which in this scenario would be the same fabric and cutting blade. Other stipulated test factors can include test conditions such as room temperature and air humidity levels.
The individual results, from each laboratory, are then reviewed to identify any variation in the collated results. The ideal outcome of an ILC is consistent test data submitted from across all the participating laboratories.
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)
An ILC was recently commissioned across several laboratories to assess the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) test methods of the EN 14683:2019 medical face masks standard.
The bacterial filtration efficiency determines the level of infective agent retained by the face mask, which directly relates to the amount of bacteria released back through the mask.
EN 14683:2019 stipulates that the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) performance of Type IIR disposable face mask must be 98% or greater.
Arco's Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask
Arco's Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask was selected as the test subject Type IIR mask by the ILC's coordinating laboratory test provider.
Six individual accredited PPE test laboratories achieved consistent results with the Arco Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask, all exceeding the minimum performance level of EN 14683:2019's required 98% BFE.
Across the participating laboratories the highest reported bacterial filtration efficiency result for the Arco Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask was 99.89%, with an average recorded performance of 99.75%
In these exceptional times, respiratory protective product assurance has never been so critical to the protection of frontline workers.
The results of the EN 14683:2019 medical face mask bacterial filtration test method ILC clearly demonstrates the consistent bacteria filtration efficiency performance of the Arco Type IIR Disposable Medical Mask and provides specifiers and users with the affirmation that they are in expert hands.
Inter-laboratory Comparison:
EN 14683:2019 medical face mask bacterial filtration test method results using Arco's Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask.
Arco's Type IIR Disposable Surgical Mask Mean (Average) BFE Result
- 99.74%
- 99.87%
- 99.62%
- 99.60%
- 99.89%
- 99.77%