ASTM E2563-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM E2563-23: Standard Practice for Enumeration of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria in Aqueous Metalworking Fluids by Plate Count Method provides standardized procedures for detecting and quantifying viable and culturable rapidly growing Mycobacteria (RGM), also known as non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM), in aqueous metalworking fluids (MWF). Developed by ASTM Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety, this practice is crucial for occupational health, aiding in identifying microbial contamination associated with workplace illnesses such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis in metalworking environments.

This standard describes microbiological culture methods that ensure reliable enumeration of Mycobacteria, even when high levels of other bacteria and fungi are present. It outlines sampling, culture, verification, and reporting procedures, and highlights important safety and laboratory practice considerations.

Key Topics

• Detection and Enumeration: Outlines step-by-step microbiological plate count methods to isolate, count, and confirm Mycobacteria in the presence of high Gram-negative and fungal populations in MWF.
• Target Organisms: Focuses on viable and culturable non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria, including species such as M. immunogenum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, and M. smegmatis.
• Detection Limits: Achieves sensitivity of one colony forming unit (CFU) per mL of metalworking fluid.
• Sample Handling: Recommends best practices for sterile sampling, storage, and documentation to maintain sample integrity.
• Verification: Requires confirmation of Mycobacteria colonies through acid-fast staining methods, ensuring accurate identification by trained microbiologists.
• Safety Practices: Stresses the importance of using qualified personnel and suitable laboratory facilities, as the procedure involves handling Level 2 pathogens.

Applications

ASTM E2563-23 is widely used in industrial and research settings for the following purposes:

• Occupational Health Monitoring: Detects and quantifies Mycobacteria to assess risks related to respiratory illnesses such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis among metalworking personnel.
• Microbial Profiling: Enables characterization of viable-culturable Mycobacterial population densities during survey studies of MWF systems.
• Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment: Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of microbicides and antimicrobial pesticide treatments in controlling Mycobacterial contamination within MWF.
• Product Development and Testing: Supports manufacturers in establishing the mycobacterial resistance of new metalworking fluid formulations by determining Mycobacteria survival rates using the plate count method.
• Regulatory Compliance: Provides standardized, internationally recognized procedures that help organizations meet health, safety, and reporting requirements for workplace exposures and environmental management.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to microbiological testing in metalworking fluids and similar environments, the following ASTM standards are relevant:

• ASTM D5465: Practices for Determining Microbial Colony Counts from Waters Analyzed by Plating Methods – foundational for enumeration techniques.
• ASTM E1326: Guide for Evaluating Non-culture Microbiological Tests – complements culture-based methods by addressing alternative detection protocols.
• ASTM E2523: Terminology for Metalworking Fluids and Operations – provides definitions of key terms relevant to metalworking fluid analysis.

ASTM E2563-23 is recognized in accordance with international standardization principles and addresses emerging needs for microbial monitoring, contributing to safer metalworking environments and improved industrial hygiene practices. Use this standard to enhance workplace safety, assess the effectiveness of infection controls, and support compliance in environments where aqueous metalworking fluids are used.