What is validation testing?
In order for a product, like a Point-of-Use water filter, to make claims about how it performs, testing should have been completed. This validation testing should support the product claims made by the company.
When evaluating a new product, it is important to ask the company representative to see evidence of this validation test work since it is essential to understand what the product can and cannot do to support your goal. It also allows a comparison to be made for different types of products or technologies that could be used.
Validation testing for a Point-of-Use water filter
For Point-of-Use water filters, arguably the most important validation testing data is the results of the ASTM F838 bacteria challenge test. This data can tell you if the filter being considered is a sterilizing-grade filter with absolute retention or a microbial filter with a log reduction. For more information on how to interpret the results of this test, check out our previous blog topic on ASTM F838. Other necessary validation tests include data on use at various temperatures, flow rates and pressures.
Sometimes, the manufacturer of a Point-of-Use water filter might provide additional test data to help the user understand how the product will perform in everyday use. Some examples of additional validation testing can include validation for specific waterborne pathogens, like Legionella spp., Pseudomonas spp., or nontuberculous mycobacteria. Other helpful testing might include information on shelf life, bacteriostatic additives (to reduce the risk of contamination on the outside of the filter), and intermittent use testing (On-off testing which can simulate bacterial retention over the life of the filter).
Without evidence of validation testing, the responsibility would lie with the product’s user to determine if the product meets their needs. For healthcare applications and applications where waterborne pathogen risk is high, the tolerance for this kind of risk is low. Therefore, it is essential to always request evidence of testing to make a thorough comparison when considering a new product.
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Author bio
Marissa Khoukaz, Business Development Manager — Hospital Water
Marissa is a business development manager for hospital water and manages the prefiltration portfolio globally. She uses her healthcare water knowledge to work with high-risk units to reduce waterborne pathogen risk to patients.