Frequently Asked Questions About ATP-meter

ATP for adenosine triphosphate and is a substance that cells and microorganisms use to store and transport energy. It is found not only in bacteria, animals, and plants, but also in processed foods.

The ATP test is a cleanliness test that makes invisible contamination visible using ATP as an indicator. After cleaning, the test surface is swabbed with a cotton swab. This is then placed in the ATP reagent, which emits light. The amount of light emitted is measured by an ATP-meter RLU (relative light units). The higher the number, the higher the amount of ATP, indicating that there is more dirt present. 

One key feature is its ability to quickly and easily detect cleaning errors that could lead to contamination. Since results are available on-site immediately after testing, corrective actions can be taken right away, and it also serves as an effective educational tool for hygiene training. 

Since it detects ATP it ATP detect dirt that does not contain ATP, such as inorganic substances. Furthermore, the amount ATP varies ATP depending on the ingredients, so there are certain stains that are difficult to detect. However, in most cases, the dirt consists of a combination of different cells that contain ATP.

It is not possible to measure the number of bacteria using a handheld ATP-meter. Nor can it be used for sterility testing. The ATP test detects somatic ATP from, for example, human biological material and food residues. It also detects microbial ATP and free ATP outside cells. Depending on the amount of ATP, it is possible to assess whether the total amount of contamination is high or low and whether the environment is hygienic or not. It is not possible to measure the bacterial level, as other sources of ATP cannot be ruled out.

In general, there is no strong correlation. When a pure, cultured bacterial solution reacts directly with a measuring reagent, the number of bacteria and the amount ATP are ATP proportional; however, in a real-world environment, there are a variety of foods and microorganisms, so no correlation can be established.

It is primarily used for hygiene inspections in the food industry and healthcare. It is used, for example, on production lines for meat processing, seafood processing, prepared foods, spices, milk/dairy products, beverages, etc., as well as in stores, supermarkets, fast-food outlets, restaurants, and many other food-handling locations. Recently, its use in healthcare settings has also become widespread.

It is used in self-inspections where cleaning verification is required, such as during inspections of kitchen utensils, production equipment, tanks, conveyor belts, and other critical contact surfaces. It is used for cleaning verification of critical touch surfaces such as handles and faucets in patient-facing areas, as well as for cleaning verification of medical devices and instruments.

No. ATP UXL100 is a pre-moistened swab. No water is required.

The surface must be dry and smooth before testing. Allow the surface to dry first, or use a clean paper towel to gently blot up any water.

Even if the surface temperature of the swab is high, the temperature of the swab after sampling will be low, so this will not have a significant effect. The optimal operating temperature for the UXL100 is 15–25°C, and measured values tend to be lower at lower temperatures. Remove reagents from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes in advance and allow them to reach room temperature before use. When performing inspections in low-temperature environments, there will also be no issues if you always measure at a constant temperature.

If you cannot take measurements immediately with the UXL-100, you can store the swab in the test tube for up to 4 hours by not activating the test (pressing down on the swab). Once activated, the measurement must be taken immediately after the reagents have reacted. If you wait too long, the amount of light emitted will decrease and the measured value will be lower.

The reading is rarely 0 RLU due to background noise. A large number of zero readings is a sign that something may be wrong.

The product is made primarily of plastic. Dispose of it in accordance with the regulations for combustible waste. There is also no need to sterilize it.

The test uses a liquid reagent in the tube that contains luciferin and luciferase.

10 months after manufacture. A label with the expiration date is printed on the test. Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and use as soon as possible after opening the inner pouch. It can also be used for 28 days when transported and stored in its aluminum foil packaging at temperatures below 21°C.

The optimal operating temperature for the AQT200 is 15–25°C, and the measured values tend to be lower at lower temperatures. Remove reagents from the refrigerator at least 10 minutes in advance and allow them to reach room temperature before use. Furthermore, when performing inspections in low-temperature environments, there is no issue as long as measurements are always taken at a constant temperature.

No. Unlike the UXL100, samples from the AQT200 cannot be saved before activation; they must be used immediately.

The product is made primarily of plastic. Dispose of it in accordance with the regulations for combustible waste. There is also no need to sterilize it.

12 months after manufacture. A label bearing the expiration date is affixed to the inner pouch. Store in the refrigerator (2–8°C) and use as soon as possible after opening the inner pouch. It can also be used for up to 2 months when transported and stored in aluminum foil packaging at temperatures below 25°C.

Although it is not sterile, it is manufactured in a clean environment, and the risk of microbial contamination from the reagent is extremely low.

The liquid reagents in the tube include luciferin and luciferase.

It’s fine to carry it around at room temperature for a short time. However, avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures. If there’s a risk of high temperatures, use a cooler or similar.

No. The reagent kit may deteriorate, and accurate results may not be obtained.

It cannot be used with other measuring instruments.

The amount of ATP can be expressed in the SI unit femtomole (fmol). The conversion factor to the RLU value can be calculated using a linear equation that applies to a specific model of ATP-meter.

The main difference lies in the sensor technology. Accupoint uses a simpler photodiode sensor, while Clean-trace a photomultiplier that can be adjusted during calibration.