1.1 This practice covers the detection and enumeration of viable and culturable rapidly growing Mycobacteria (RGM), or non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) in aqueous metalworking fluids (MWF) in the presence of high non-mycobacterial background population using standard microbiological culture methods.

1.2 The detection limit is one colony forming unit (CFU)/mL metalworking fluid.

1.3 This practice involves culture of organisms classified as Level 2 pathogens, and should be undertaken by a trained microbiologist in an appropriately equipped facility. The microbiologist should also be capable of distinguishing the diverse colonies of Mycobacteria from other microorganism colonies on a Petri dish and capable of confirming Mycobacteria by acid-fast staining method.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.