BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) Test

Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) is a measure of a respirator material's resistance to bacterial penetration. In other words, bacterial filtration efficiency indicates the fabric's ability to resist bacterial penetration. Results are reported as a percentage of efficiency. Higher values ​​indicate better barrier efficiency.

These tests are performed on filtration materials and devices designed to protect against biological aerosols, such as face masks, surgical gowns, caps, and air filters. These test results are also used during FDA 510(K) applications for surgical masks.

Here are a few standards considered in BFE (bacterial filtration efficiency) tests:

• ASTM F2100-20 Standard specification for the performance of materials used in medical face masks
• ASTM F2101-01 Standard test method for evaluating the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of medical face mask materials using biological aerosol of Staphylococcus aureus
• EN 14683 Medical face masks - Requirements and test methods

These test methods use the ratio of the upstream bacterial threat to the downstream residual concentration to determine the filtration efficiency of medical face mask materials, and determine the bacterial filtration efficiency of medical face mask materials.

In the test, analysis, measurement and evaluation studies carried out in our organization, national and international standards and applicable legal regulations are complied with and reliable and impartial results are obtained. BFE (bacterial filtration efficiency) testing services are among the numerous tests carried out in this context.