Antiviral Mask Testing

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the use of surgical style masks has increased significantly. Studies have found that respiratory viruses can build up on the outer surface of masks, such that mask outers are considered as highly contaminated after use.

Our client has developed a Type IIR surgical mask with an antiviral outer layer and Virologica successfully determined conventional antiviral performance according to standard ISO 18184.

In addition the client desired further bespoke testing to better represent real world use of the mask. Our expert scientists at Virologica were able to collaborate with the client to design and execute a series of novel experiments to add value by underlining the performance of their product.

Duration of mask wear has increased during the pandemic, so repeat inoculation over extended time periods was studied. When testing to standard ISO18184, fabrics are inoculated with large droplets of inoculum, in reality viruses are transmitted in very fine suspensions or aerosols. To represent this, we challenged the antiviral mask with aerosolised inoculum. Against human coronavirus 229E, the mask was up to 99.99% effective in repeat inoculation and aerosol inoculation studies.     

Researchers have demonstrated that during routine removal, viral contamination can be efficiently transferred from PPE (including masks) to the wearer’s skin or clothing.. We devised a bespoke transfer test method and demonstrated that virus could be readily transferred from control masks but not from the antiviral Type IIR surgical masks.

Using Virologica’s excellent data, our client has now successfully registered their medical device with the UK MHRA.  In addition the innovative experiments designed in collaboration with Virologica strongly support the performance and marketing of their product.