ISO 22609:2004 describes a laboratory test method for measuring the resistance of medical face masks to penetration by synthetic blood.

ISO 22609:2004 primarily addresses the performance of materials used in medical face masks. The test method does not address the performance of the medical face mask's design, construction, interfaces or other factors which may affect the overall protection offered by the medical face mask and its operation.

ISO 22609:2004 does not evaluate the performance of medical face masks as a protection against contamination via airborne exposure pathways or in the prevention of the penetration of aerosolized body fluids deposited on the medical face mask.