Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is a measurement of a face mask or filtration materials resistance to penetration of bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. Results are reported as percent efficiency and represent the ability of the face mask material to resist bacterial penetration. Medical face masks generally require 95% to 99% efficiency, with higher numbers indicating better barrier efficiency.
GAP EnviroMicrobial Services uses the ASTM F2101 standard and is accredited by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) for this analysis and was one of the first laboratories in Canada to receive this accreditation.