Evidence-based testing: EDANA’s Testing Guidelines
The guidance document aims to meet the demand for relevant, accurate, reliable and comparable tests, for performance standards as well as substance testing across a range of menstrual products.
The guidelines are intended as a best practice tool for third-parties to consider to ensure the scientifically sound testing of menstrual products and meaningful results. They were developed by a group of experts from manufacturers of feminine hygiene products, their suppliers, and leading test institutes with expertise in testing femcare products. The guidelines are comprehensive, covering all types of femcare products (panty liners, tampons and sanitary pads), all forms of testing and each step involved in a test, from design and methodology to the interpretation and communication of results. Statistical methodology and technical parameters impacting test results were taken into consideration for the development of the guidelines.
In addition to technical and methodological guidance, the guidelines remind organisations conducting tests of several key principles. For instance, third party tests intended to serve as the basis for consumer information must include a user trial. Also, to ensure that the products are tested in an accurate manner and that the results reflect the actual experience of consumers, it is recommended to consult manufacturers and to conduct tests in a laboratory experienced in testing femcare products. Practical information such as contact details for the main manufacturers that are members of EDANA are included in the annexes, along with suggested laboratories that are EDANA members, standard method references, and questions for user trials. Any feedback and input to the guidelines is welcome and will be taken into consideration in future versions.
