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Product Catalog - AAMI PB70 Classification System

About the ANSI/AAMI PB70:2003 Standard and Classification System

This standard establishes a system of classification for protective apparel and drapes used in health care facilities based on their liquid barrier performance and specifies related labeling requirements and standardized test methods for determining compliance. By specifying a consistent basis for testing and labeling protective apparel and drapes and providing a common understanding of barrier properties (e.g., efficacy against liquid or liquid-borne microorganism penetration) based on this new classification system, the standard is intended to ultimately assist end-users in determining the type(s) of protective product most appropriate for a particular task or situation.1

The AAMI PB70 standard defines four levels of classification that are based on standard tests to define a drape or gowns' barrier performance. The following table summarizes the test involved for each level of classification.

AAMI LevelTest Name
1AATCC 42
2AATCC 42
AATC 127
3AATCC 42
AATC 127
4ASTM F1670 (Drapes)
ASTM F1671 (Gowns)

Source: Suzanne Pear, The AAMI Protective Barrier Standard, Managing Infection Control. November 2006. Available online at www.manageinfection.com/database/dms/MIC1108Q_28.pdf

Levels 1 through 3 have different require different ranges for the tests listed. Level 4 test results are designated pass or fail.

Barrier properties increase with each level.

Summary of Test

Details of each test may be found by following links below the summary to the appropriate standard organization.

About the AAMI

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), a nonprofit organization founded in 1967, is a unique alliance of nearly 6,000 members from around the world united by one mission — to increase the understanding and beneficial use of medical instrumentation through effective standards and educational programs, and publications.6

1. http://marketplace.aami.org/eseries/scriptcontent/index_productinfo.cfm?Product_Code=pb70
2. http://www.aatcc.org/technical/Test_Methods/scopes/tm42.cfm
3. http://www.aatcc.org/technical/Test_Methods/scopes/tm127.cfm
4. http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1670.htm
5. http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1671.htm
6. http://www.aami.org/about/index.html

Drape Materials
Drape Reinforcements
Other Notes
AAMI PB70 Classification System
Drapes OR Apparel OR Supplies

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