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PPE test menu

Masks inside of a glass storage cabinet

Test menu for the Vancouver Coastal Health PPE Testing Laboratory.

Request a quote

To request a quote please call or email us letting us know your requirements.

We are happy to provide information on current regulatory requirements or help design a sampling/testing regime that suits your needs.

Telephone: (604) 875-4111 ext. 67418

Fax: (604) 875- 5918

Email: PPEtesting@vch.ca

Test menu

Accredited by the Standards Council of Canada against ISO/IEC17025:2017

N95 respirator

NaCl particulate filtration (TEB-APR-STP-0059)


This test measures the filtration efficiency of respirators using NaCl aerosols

N95 respirator

Quantitative fit testing (CSA Z94.4-18 Section 9, Annex C)


This test measures the fit of respirators to ensure a good seal on the users face based on the detection of particles by the machine

Surgical/Isolation Gown

Water impact testing (AATCC TM42-2017e)


This test measures the resistance of fabrics to the penetration of water by impact and can be used to predict the fluid resistance of fabrics and PPE items

Medical Mask, N95 Respirator, Surgical/Isolation Gown

Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles (16 CFR Part 1610)


Assesses the flammability of textiles and PPE products and determines the burn time.

N95 respirator

N95 inhalation and exhalation resistance

(NIOSH TEB-APR-STP-0007 and NIOSH TEB-APR-STP-0003)


Measures the inhalation and exhalation breathing resistance for air-purifying respirators, including N95 filtering face-piece respirators.

N95 Respirator, Medical Mask

Resistance to penetration by synthetic blood (ASTM  F1862/F1862M-17)


Evaluates resistance of medical face masks to penetration by the impact of a small volume (~2 mL) of a high-velocity stream of synthetic blood.

Surgical/Isolation Gown

Test Method for Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure (AATCC - TM127)


Measures the resistance of a gown or fabric to the penetration of water under a constantly increasing pressure.

Submit a sample

To submit samples for testing please complete a sample submission form and review these transport instructions for sending samples.

Read the VCH PPE Testing Laboratory’s Terms and Conditions of Service.  

Have a question? Please contact us:

Telephone: (604) 875-4111 ext. 67418

Fax: (604) 875- 5918

Email: PPEtesting@vch.ca

Coming soon

Surgical and Procedural masks

Latex particulate filtration efficiency


This test measure the filtration efficiency  of materials surgical and procedural masks using latex particles

Surgical and Procedural masks

Bacterial filtration efficiency


The test measures the filtration efficiency of 3-micron-sized particles containing Staphylococcus aureus

Surgical and Procedural masks

Tensile Testing


This test measures how strong the loops on a mask are and also how much it can be stretched before it breaks

Surgical and Procedural masks

Differential pressure


This test measures the differential pressure of a procedure or surgical mask to ensure breathability

Cloth masks and barrier face coverings

ASTM F 3502-21 Standard Specification for Barrier Face Coverings


This test measures the filtration efficiency and inhalation resistance of cloth masks and barrier face coverings intended for use by the general public.

Need a test not listed? Can't find what you're looking for?

Telephone: (604) 875-4111 ext. 67418

Fax: (604) 875- 5918

Email: PPEtesting@vch.ca

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