ATP-meter are commonly used in many industries to quickly verify cleaning, and there are currently many models to choose from on the market. The ATP method is based on measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—a molecule found in all living cells. If ATP remains on a surface after cleaning, it means that organic material is still present. The result is presented as RLU (Relative Light Units) and can be read directly on a handheld ATP-meter.
Two well-known ATP that we offer our customers are:
Both are used in the same industries, primarily in the food industry and healthcare—but the systems differ technically in several key ways. If you’re in the process of choosing one of these ATP, this post is for you. We’ll walk you through some of the most important differences.
1. Sensor technology – the most important difference
The main technical difference between the systems is the type of light sensor used to measure ATP.
Clean-Trace uses a photomultiplier tube (PMT), while the Accupoint NG uses a photodiode.
Photomultipliers are considered the most sensitive photon detection technology and can even detect individual photons from the bioluminescent ATP.This means:
- higher sensitivity
- better signal-to-noise ratio
- greater accuracy at low ATP
Photodiodes, on the other hand, are:
- easier
- cheaper
- less
The Accupoint NG is therefore designed to be a simpler and more cost-effective ATP-meter.
2. Sensitivity and measurement accuracy
ATP must be able to detect extremely faint light signals from the chemical reaction between ATP, luciferin, and luciferase.
Photomultipliers can:
- amplify weak light signals
- detect very low ATP levels
- produce more reproducible results.
As a result, systems such as Clean-Trace are often used in:
- high-pressure environments
- healthcare & social services
- sterile processing departments
- food industry
Accupoint, on the other hand, works very well for:
- routine internal monitoring
- quick inspections
- smaller production facilities
3. Calibration and instrument lifespan
There is an important practical difference here.
Clean-Trace
The photomultiplier can be adjusted during calibration. This means:
- maintained accuracy
- longer technical service life
- more stable readings over time.
Accupoint NG
The photodiode can normally be checked during calibration but cannot be adjusted in the same way.
This simplifies the design but also means that the instrument's performance cannot be fine-tuned as much over time.
4. Temperature stability
ATP is affected by temperature.
Photomultipliers are generally more stable in the face of temperature fluctuations and electrical noise, which improves measurement accuracy. This can give Clean-Trace advantage in environments such as:
- cold storage room
- cold storage
- has significant temperature fluctuations
- food production with multiple temperature zones.
5. Sampling and user-friendliness
Both meters can be considered user-friendly and fast, but the Accupoint NG has certain practical advantages.
Accupoint NG
- very quick startup
- easy to use
- flat swabs
This makes sample collection easy even for staff without laboratory experience.
Clean-Trace
- more features and a wider range of applications
- more settings
- improved data management and reporting
6. Data Management and Traceability
Both systems come with PC software for:
- test plans
- result storage
- trend analysis
- export to other systems
- Neogen (a cloud storage service)
Data management is important in:
- audits
- HACCP system
- quality certification (e.g., BRC or ISO ).
7. Price
The price difference is often a deciding factor.
Typical price range in 2026:
| System | Price level |
|---|---|
| Accupoint NG | 19,500 SEK |
| Clean-Trace | 23,900 SEK |
The higher cost of Clean-Trace primarily due to:
- more advanced sensor
- greater precision
- more advanced system architecture.
Quick comparison
| Property | Clean-Trace | Accupoint NG |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor technology | Photomultiplier | Photodiode |
| Sensitivity | Very high | Good |
| Precision | Very high | Good |
| Calibration | Adjustable | Check |
| Temperature stability | Very good | Normal |
| User-friendliness | Good | Very simple |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Conclusion – Which ATP-meter you choose?
Both systems are established ATP solutions.
Accupoint NG is best suited for:
- Simpler setup and sampling are important
- The PC software is used rarely or not at all
- the budget is limited
Clean-Trace is best suited for:
- High sensitivity and reproducibility are required
- the surrounding area has greater temperature variations
- PC software and data management are important
In short:
Accupoint = simple and affordable ATP
Clean-Trace = ATP more advanced ATP with higher precision
Do you need help choosing ATP?
We help companies in the food industry, healthcare, and laboratories choose the right ATP for their hygiene monitoring.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to:
- compare different ATP
- discuss applications
- get help setting limit values.