The International Antimicrobial Council (IAC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting reliable and effective standardized testing and use of antimicrobials and odor-controlling technologies.
The IAC was founded on the premise that antimicrobial efficacy is determined through the use of standardized test methods. A number of commonly used antimicrobial test methods allow for a broad range of variations in procedures. Of course this can manifest in test results that vary a great deal within and between laboratories. The IAC strives to identify and limit such variations, therefore resulting in more uniform test method applications worldwide.
IAC members include microbiology testing laboratories, antimicrobial actives producers, retailers, brand owners, individual scientists, students, and NGOs. The IAC also works closely with standards organizations, such as AATCC and ASTM International, to provide guidelines based on the mode of action of the antimicrobial and the treated article. These members and organizations seek to refine, improve, and promote the adoption of newly developed or existing test methods for antimicrobial technologies. They work to create greater uniformity in testing among microbiological laboratories with a long-range goal of harmonizing global test methods and procedures.
The IAC offers educational training programs to those using antimicrobials in order to certify testing facilities throughout the world. They also provide programs to educate textile mills, suppliers, brands, and retailers, as well as offering verification programs to align antimicrobial testing with IAC guidelines. Furthermore, the IAC participates in developing test methods and standards, odor-control technology certifications, and more.
Brands and retailers working with IAC-certified labs are protected from potential misuse of antimicrobials. They can depend on quality control to assure consistent, reproducible performance of their treated products. IAC-certified laboratories are up-to-date with industry protocols, test methods, and procedures related to antimicrobial performance of treated articles. IAC-verified reports also allow for the traceability of testing an IAC-certified product (R.E.D. status) and ensure samples have been properly tested and contain correctly registered antimicrobial agents. This protects brands, retailers, and the public, providing more dependable and reliable results.
For more information, visit: https://amcouncil.org/.