Two Parameters Limiting the Sensitivity of Laboratory Tests of Condoms as Viral Barriers

The practical limits of a laboratory test for evaluating condoms as virus barriers were characterized by determining virus penetration through small punctures in latex condoms. The test quantifies virus penetration through a pressurized, restrained condom filled with challenge virus. Estimation of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of testing and evaluation 1996-09, Vol.24 (5), p.279-286
Main Authors: Lytle, CD, Routson, LB, Thomas, DP, Regnault, WF, Cyr, WH
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Application fields
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
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Summary:The practical limits of a laboratory test for evaluating condoms as virus barriers were characterized by determining virus penetration through small punctures in latex condoms. The test quantifies virus penetration through a pressurized, restrained condom filled with challenge virus. Estimation of the minimum-detectable hole (narrow slit) dimensions indicated that a limiting factor in virus transmission through such a puncture is fluid flow. The virus penetration rates decreased with time, apparently caused by the hole closing or being blocked, indicating that extending the test duration to allow more virus penetration was of limited value. Further, it was found that adsorption of virus particles during passage through a hole may limit the useful sensitivity of the test. With bacteriophage ϕX174 as the challenge virus, the practical limit for detecting virus penetration may be approximately 2 × 10−6 mL; with more adsorptive viruses, the test would be less sensitive.
ISSN:0090-3973
1945-7553
DOI:10.1520/JTE11305J