WHAT IS IT?

This test identifies the fibers present in a filling sample (e.g. polyester, lyocell, wool, silk, etc.).  

HOW IS IT DONE?

A sample is either examined under magnification, burned, treated with special solutions or chemically separated. Fibers are identified by distinct characteristics evident under magnification, observed during combustion or revealed during chemical separation (each fiber can be dissolved using specific chemicals).

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?

Results are generally given as a percentage of the fiber(s) found during testing. It can be a single fiber (#1) or a blend of two or more fibers (#2). Examples: #1: 100% POLYESTER or #2: 35.5% WOOL, 64.5% POLYESTER

WHY DO IT?

This test is used to determine the fiber content of a filling and is generally required for labeling. A label must state the ratio of multiple fibers.

WHAT IS IT?

Bioburden tests for the biological activity, or viability, of certain microorganisms known to be harmful to humans when found in high concentrations (such as salmonella, fecal streptococci, etc.). When plumage is washed and sterilized these microorganisms are killed and pose no threat to humans. The bioburden test is one of the means for testing the cleanliness of plumage and verifying the washing and sterilization process.  

HOW IS IT DONE?
A sample of plumage is cultured on a growth medium. It is incubated for a certain period of time in conditions that are favorable for microorganism growth. After the incubation period, colonies of growth are counted and categorized.  

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?

Four categories that are reported: 1. Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria 2. Fecal Streptococci Count 3. Sulfite Reducing Clostridia Count 4. Presence of Salmonella The numbers are reported in CFU (Colony Forming Units) per gram. For example: 3.4 x103  

WHY DO IT?

It is a requirement for some countries’ labeling programs. It is also an additional way to verify the cleanliness of plumage and verify the washing and sterilization process

WHAT IS IT?

Bioburden tests for the biological activity, or viability, of certain microorganisms known to be harmful to humans when found in high concentrations (such as salmonella, fecal streptococci, etc.). When plumage is washed and sterilized these microorganisms are killed and pose no threat to humans. The bioburden test is one of the means for testing the cleanliness of plumage and verifying the washing and sterilization process.  

HOW IS IT DONE?
A sample of plumage is cultured on a growth medium. It is incubated for a certain period of time in conditions that are favorable for microorganism growth. After the incubation period, colonies of growth are counted and categorized.  

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN?

Four categories that are reported: 1. Mesophilic Aerobic Bacteria 2. Fecal Streptococci Count 3. Sulfite Reducing Clostridia Count 4. Presence of Salmonella The numbers are reported in CFU (Colony Forming Units) per gram. For example: 3.4 x103  

WHY DO IT?

It is a requirement for some countries’ labeling programs. It is also an additional way to verify the cleanliness of plumage and verify the washing and sterilization process