What is ATP?

ATP hygiene monitoring measures adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy molecule found in all animal, plant, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Processes such as photosynthesis in plants, muscle contraction in humans, respiration in fungi and fermentation in yeast are all driven by ATP. Therefore, most foods, water and microbial cells will contain some level of naturally occurring ATP. Residues, particularly food or organic residue, contain large amounts of ATP. When left on a surface, residues can harbor and grow bacteria, cause cross-contamination, develop biofilm and many other problems that can compromise quality and safety.

The ATP Luminometer (in conjunction with the Aqua or Ultra ATP swabs) uses bioluminescence to detect residual ATP as an indicator of cleanliness.

The presence of ATP indicates the presence of contamination on surfaces and in water, including food residue, allergens and/or bacteria. This implies a potential for the support of bacterial growth.

Benefits of ATP monitoring

• Assess the cleanliness of a surface immediately after cleaning.
• Optimise and verify that cleaning procedures are working. If your procedures are not working, you can take immediate remedial action.
• Maintain product quality and on-site safety.
• Optimise the use of sanitisers and disinfectants.
• Assists in developing and improving certain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures.

How does it work?

Microbial contamination contains ATP, but in small amounts. After cleaning, all sources of ATP should be significantly reduced. When ATP is brought into contact with our unique, liquid-stable luciferase/luciferin reagent in the testing device, light is emitted in direct proportion to the amount of ATP present. The system measures the amount of light generated and provides information on the level of contamination in a matter of seconds. The higher the reading, the more contamination present.

How can ATP monitoring help you?

Assessing the cleanliness of a water source or surface immediately after cleaning ensures contamination has been removed. Depending on the industry, this ATP system will help ensure product quality, extend product life, prevent cross-contamination, enable immediate corrective action and/or avoid recalls.

ATP hygiene monitoring provides accurate and traceable verification of the hygienic status of a surface or water, which is a key component of a any good hygiene programme.

ATP testing is a universally recognised tool used by organisations for measuring the hygienic status of surfaces and water in order to ensure product consistency and safety.

Key features

• Results in 20 seconds.
• Detects down to 1 femtomole (1 x 10-16 moles) of ATP.
• Simple to use, four step test.
• Lightweight, handheld and durable.
• 250 programmable test points per test plan.
• 20 programmable test plans.
• Alphanumeric ID of locations.
• Stores 2000 results.
• Programmable user ID’s.
• Self-calibration at startup

Instrument design

• Small, lightweight, handheld instrument (0.22kgs, 7 x 18 x 3 cm)
• Durable outside shell, sealed keypad to battle against splashes and the environment
• Advanced photodiode technology
• AA battery powered (lasts up to 3000+ tests)
• PC compatible via RS232 cable or USB
• Simple to use, menu-driven operation from keypad
• Engineered for durability and intensive use

Technical support and advice

If you require technical support or advice relating to ATP hygiene monitoring systems please contact one of our specialist advisors on +44 (0) 161 877 2334 or submit your questions using our Technical Support page.