The Photographic Activity Test, widely known as the PAT, is an International Standard in itself: ISO 18916. The PAT explores the possibility of chemical interactions between photographs and a given material after prolonged contact. It uses two special detectors. One detector screens for oxidation and reduction reactions which can cause image fade, silver mirroring, and red or gold spots. The other detector, screens for chromophores –compounds that can cause yellowing of the support. All materials must pass the PAT to be considered photo-safe.
We encourage producers of photo-storage and display products to purchase and review ISO 18916 describing the Photographic Activity Test. After reviewing the standard, contact us with any questions that may arise. ISO 18916 can be purchased at www.iso.org.
Turnaround time for testing is six to eight weeks from the time samples are received. In fairness to all of our
clients, rush service is not available. All test results are confidential.
Evaluates possible chemical interactions between enclosures and photographic images after long-term storage. Photographic images being: silver gelatin, chromogenic, inkjet (dye and pigment), dye-diffusion transfer, electrophotography (dry and liquid toner), and diazo.
Evaluates possible additional staining reactions produced between enclosures and the dye-couplers present in chromogenic photographs after long-term storage. This is a product-specific test, meaning that even if the enclosure in question is not reactive with the chromogenic detector used for testing, it may be reactive with other chromogenic images (though this is unlikely). Note: This is not a stand-alone test. This test is performed in addition to the standard PAT.
For the PAT, the customer shall provide IPI with the equivalent of three 8 x 10 inch (20.32 x 25.4 cm) sheets of each material submitted for testing. If your material is rigid, so that it cannot be cut with a craft knife, please provide twelve 2 x 4 cm (not inches!) pieces instead. If your material does not come in sheet form, please contact us to discuss quantity requirements.
Please label the top left corner of each sample with the product name or code. Only the side labeled will be tested. Our test reports will refer only to the name specified on the label.
The PAT is a destructive test; sample materials cannot be returned.
| PAT & Color PAT | |
|---|---|
| First two samples inclusive (minimum charge) | $900 |
| Each additional sample (sent at same time) | $325 |
| Bulk contracts (15 PATs performed over a 12-month period) | $4500 |
| One-day training for PAT | $1200 |
For bulk contracts, Standard PAT may be combined with Color PAT; pH Tests must be a separate contract (cannot be combined with Standard or Color PAT). Some products may need more than one test; for example, a paper envelope that needs one test for the paper and another for the glue seam is considered two samples.