loading

Gester Instruments | Professional Textile, Footwear and PPE  Testing  Equipments Manufacturers Since 1997


Products
Test Standard
Products
Test Standard

Interpretation of medical protective clothing EN 14126, ISO 16604 test test

EN 14126 is a standard for protective clothing, and it includes four tests to assess the ability of fabrics to resist bacterial or viral infections, such as bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. For those involved in the selection of workwear for this protection, understanding this criterion is critical, especially since there is quite a bit of confusion surrounding it. What does certification to this standard tell you and how to use it? Certification en 14126? That is, pictographic clothing labels and“-b”The presence of the suffix tells you that. There is nothing about the kind of infectious disease, it is suitable for prevention. Different viral and bacterial infections behave and spread differently and will use different routes of contamination. Therefore, the standard contains four tests, each of which measures resistance to different types of contamination (the details of the different tests, along with their classification, are shown in the table at the bottom of this blog). With this in mind, a garment may be certified to EN 14126, but may only be tested to one of the four tests and meet the minimum classification; or it may have been tested to all four tests, and The highest classification was achieved in each test. The basic information on the label notifying the certification will be the same. Furthermore, if - for example - a garment is only tested to ISO 22612 - to detect the penetration of contaminated dry particles, this has little to do with protecting the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. This is because it is mainly transmitted through water droplets caused by coughing and sneezing (although like other cold and flu viruses it can also survive on contaminated surfaces), which is handled by ISO 22610 (now superseding EN 14126 : Annex A). Therefore, certification to EN 14126 alone does not indicate that a garment is suitable for protection against this or any other infectious agent. To judge whether a garment is suitable for the protection you need, you must: 1) understand the pathways of contamination in a particular environment (or be associated with a particular infection) and 2) look at the garment's directions for use (or data sheet) to find out if it has ever been Which tests have been taken, and whether they are relevant. What are the key tests within the scope of the standard? Of the four tests, ISO 16604 is particularly important in this (and any virus protection) case. but why? Each of the four tests used a medium contaminated with bacteria, and the table below shows the type of each test, the size of the contaminant used, and the known size of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. NOTE: This information is taken directly from the EN standard and it is clear that only the iso 16604 test uses a contaminant - a bacteriophage (i.e. a virus that parasitizes by infecting bacteria, in this case according to The standard choice of the Phi x 174 is small), which is much smaller than the coronavirus that fills the news right now. Other tests use bacteria much larger than the coronavirus. Therefore, ISO 16604 is the only test that provides a clear indication that it is effective against an infectious agent that penetrates this scale. So, in conclusion, specifiers of protective clothing should look for clothing that is not only EN 14126 certified, but also achieves a good classification in the ISO 16604 test. The ISO 16604 and ISO 16603 EN 14126 standards contain only four tests instead of the five suggested by some manufacturers. A common claim of some manufacturers and suppliers is that their garment is suitable because it meets the classification in ISO 16603. This is incorrect; there is no classification in the standard for ISO 16603 test results, which is a lower test than 16604: it is not intended to indicate any level of protection. The criteria for this are clear. Although the ISO 16603 test is a reference, it is explicitly stated that this is a“front cursor”Tests will be conducted in preparation for ISO 16604. The key test (ISO 16604) measures the“breakthrough”pressure. To confirm viral penetration, a culture is grown from any penetration medium to confirm viral penetration. ISO 16603 exists purely to reduce the work and cost of ISO 16604. To avoid testing at every pressure until confirmed“pass”So far, ISO 16603 uses artificial blood in a simple visual penetration test to estimate the pressure that can occur in ISO 16604. Testing to ISO 16604 can then be performed at this pressure as a starting point. However, the 16603 test does not use any contaminants (like the other tests) and the classification table applies only to the ISO 16604 results. Clause 4.1.4.1 of the standard clearly confirms this. (In fact, and often, products claiming a 16603 ISO classification do so because they pass the ISO 16604 test, so for any garment claiming a 16603 classification, it's worth checking the 16604 test results .) In design, garments should also be certified to at least EN 14605 Type 4, which requires sealed seams and sealed zippered lids to minimise the possibility of passing through these routes…In other words, a garment marked Type 4b.

GESTER International Co.,Limited is dedicated to servicing our customers with a wide array of high-quality service and products.

tensile tester manufacturers are the in thing today. To buy a for yourself do visit GESTER International Co.,Limited at GESTER Instruments.

GESTER International Co.,Limited always believes that the average profitability of our company is sufficient.

The best way to determine the ideal strategy of textile testing equipment is to continually test and refine your selling and marketing tactics.

GESTER International Co.,Limited, which contributes itself on textile testing equipment for creating more useful application.

GET IN TOUCH WITH Us
recommended articles
Looking for a Laboratory Protective Clothing Tester Supplier? Key Criteria to Consider
As global demand for high-performance PPE surges, selecting a qualified laboratory protective clothing tester supplier becomes critical for manufacturers and regulators. This article outlines core selection criteria: compliance with international standards (ISO, EN, ASTM), comprehensive protective gear tests (particle resistance, fluid barrier, thermal resistance, electrostatic safety), manufacturer qualifications (ISO 9001 certification, partnerships with SGS/TUV/Intertek), equipment precision (automation, modular design, data traceability), and end-to-end service (global support, calibration, customization). With 25+ years of experience, GESTER International delivers standards-aligned, high-precision testing instruments and integrated laboratory solutions, ensuring PPE meets rigorous safety requirements for medical, industrial, and chemical sectors. Explore how to choose a partner that safeguards worker safety through reliable testing.
Understanding Universal Tensile Testing machine: Feature, Operation
Discover how universal testing machines perform tensile, compression, bending, and peel tests on metals, plastics, rubber, and composites. Features include servo motors, 0.001mm resolution, RS232 data, and safety systems. Step-by-step operation guide included.
What Are the Types of Color Fastness Testing for Fabrics?
Color fastness testing evaluates how well fabrics resist fading or bleeding under conditions like washing, rubbing, light exposure, and perspiration. Key tests include rubbing fastness, washing fastness, light fastness, perspiration fastness, and sublimation fastness. These tests ensure textiles maintain color integrity, prevent health risks, and meet quality standards. Learn about different testing methods and equipment used in the textile industry.
What is the Safety Glove & Shoe Upper Cutting Tester GT-KC29
The Safety Glove & Shoe Upper Cutting Tester GT-KC29 is a high-precision testing instrument developed to measure the cut resistance performance of safety gloves and footwear uppers. In industrial and construction environments where sharp tools and metal edges pose significant injury risks, the GT-KC29 provides a reliable evaluation method by simulating real cutting motion. This tester meets EN 388 section 6.2, ISO 20344:2021 section 5.23, GB/T 20991 section 6.14, and other global standards, making it essential for PPE manufacturers, testing laboratories, and quality control departments. With automated operation, high repeatability, and multi-standard compliance, it helps companies improve product safety levels, enhance global competitiveness, and ensure superior protection for end users.
What Are the Test Methods for Fabric Bursting Strength?
Fabric bursting strength measures resistance to rupture under concentrated load. Three primary test methods are used:

Ball Burst Method (ASTM D3787): Steel ball penetration for textiles/films using testers like GT-C02-2.

Hydraulic Method (ISO 13938.1): Fluid pressure on rubber diaphragm for industrial fabrics via GT-C12A.

Pneumatic Method (ISO 13938.2): Compressed air for breathable materials tested with GT-C12B.
Results are influenced by raw materials, yarn properties,
How to Improve Plastic Film Drop Dart Impact Strength
Discover actionable strategies to enhance the drop dart impact strength of plastic films for packaging, agriculture, and construction. Learn how material selection, additives, processing, and rigorous ASTM/ISO drop dart impact testing ensure product durability and prevent failure.
PPE Trends: Insights from a China Top PPE Testing Machine Company
As 2026 approaches, the global PPE industry is transformed by stricter industrial safety regulations, healthcare awareness, and evolving international standards (ISO/ASTM/EN). Key trends include the rise of Smart PPE, adoption of sustainable bio-based materials, and converging global compliance requirements—demanding high-precision, automated testing equipment with data traceability. GESTER International Co., Ltd., a China top PPE testing machine company with 25+ years of expertise, addresses these challenges through modular, standards-aligned solutions (e.g., TPP Thermal Protection Tester GT-RC02A, TDM Cut Test Machine GT-KC28) and long-term partnerships with SGS, TUV, and Intertek. Offering global technical support (installation, calibration, training) and automated, multi-standard-compatible equipment, GESTER empowers PPE manufacturers to meet 2026’s rigorous safety benchmarks. This article explores PPE performance evolution, 2026 industry trends, technological testing responses, and strategic procurement tips—emphasizing how China’s leading testing machine providers bridge hardware innovation with global compliance to protect human life. For professional PPE testing solutions, visit https://www.gesterinstruments.com/.
How to Improve the Accuracy of a Martindale Tester
Ensuring the accuracy of your Martindale abrasion and pilling tester is critical for reliable textile quality control. This guide details essential steps, from precise sample preparation and correct machine operation to routine maintenance. We also explore how advanced testers, like the GESTER model with its dual-servo drive and tool-free operation, are engineered to eliminate common sources of error and enhance testing precision for superior results.
Top Features of a Certified TDM Cut Resistance Tester Supplier for Laboratory Use
The demand for precise PPE safety testing has surged with the evolution of protective gear, making TDM (Tomodynamometer) cut resistance testing a critical process for evaluating protective gloves and industrial textiles. This article details the top features of a certified TDM cut resistance tester supplier for laboratory use, including compliance with international standards (EN 388, ISO 13997, ASTM F2992), high-precision mechanical engineering, automated workflows, robust data management, and integrated safety features. It highlights GESTER International Co., Ltd.—a 20+ year experienced manufacturer with ISO 9001 certification and partnerships with SGS, Intertek, and TUV—as a leading supplier, offering the GT-KC28 TDM Cut Test Machine and comprehensive services (on-site installation, calibration, global technical support). For laboratories seeking reliable, standard-compliant testing solutions to validate PPE safety claims, this article provides actionable insights into strategic procurement. Visit https://www.gesterinstruments.com/ for more technical specifications and PPE testing solutions.
ISO 17694 / ISO 5402-1: Footwear Flexing Resistance Test Methods
Footwear soles and uppers endure thousands of flex cycles during use, risking premature cracking, delamination, or chipping if material resistance is inadequate. This technical analysis details two critical international standards:

1. ISO 5402-1: Specifies the flexometer method for testing leather flex resistance under repeated bending.

2. ISO 17694: Defines test methods for footwear upper and lining flex resistance, simulating real-world bending stress to assess long-term durability.

C
no data
QUANZHOU GESTER INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD gains certificates of ISO 9001, 3A and SGS Audited supplier etc. with advanced design concept, excellent manufacturing technology and strict quality control.
WeChat

Contact us
Tel: +86-595-28886108 
Fax: +86-595-22515221
E-mail: sales10@gester-instruments.com,
                 info@gester-instruments.com
Mobile/Whatapp/ Wechat:  
             + 86 018059983973
Address:  Block 402,4th floor, f buliding, shengfulan business Center, no.577 jitai road, economic and  Technological development zone quanzhou of fujian.China.
Customer service
detect