Everything you need to know about ATP testing
ATP, which stands for adenosine triphosphate, is an indicator molecule which can show you where biological residues are present.
ATP testing uses swabs to test for these types of residues. It can play an essential part preventing infection, contamination and maintaining high hygiene standards.
For rapid and convenient hygiene testing, an ATP tester like the Charm PocketSwab will provide reliable results in just five seconds.
What is ATP?
Adenosine triphosphate is like a unit of currency for molecules.
It’s an organic compound and provides energy for many living processes in cells. Because it’s found in and around living cells, the presence of ATP is a good indicator of biological cellular concentration and health.
The enzyme ATP synthase produces most of the ATP in cells. It’s found in the membrane of cellular structures.
ATP is the primary source of energy for a cell and is found in all living things, including things that were once living such as bacteria, mould and human skin.
As a result, ATP is a great indicator of the presence of microorganisms on various surfaces.
Why should you test for ATP?
ATP testing can provide valuable insights and information for a variety of industries across the world.
For example, food safety is an ongoing issue in the UK food and drink industry. Research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) indicates that around 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the UK every year.
Consequently, the food and drink industry and healthcare sector use ATP extensively for hygiene testing.
By testing for the presence of ATP, you have an indication as to the cleanliness of food preparation surfaces.
When following deep cleaning procedures, testing for ATP is an effective way of certifying the effectiveness of decontamination.
In food production and preparation, keeping equipment, surfaces and staff clean and free from contamination is essential for food safety compliance and for ensuring good quality control.
If various types of organic matter, such as food residue, go undetected, they can become sources of nutrients for bacteria, encouraging the growth of bacteria, moulds and yeast.
Therefore, ATP testing can provide both an early warning system and a means of verifying whether food environments are clean.
What do you need for ATP testing?
ATP testing is a method used to detect the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of living things.
It’s a useful indicator of microbial life that might have persisted after sanitation.
ATP testing swabs are used to collect a sample from the test area.
A liquid with naturally occurring enzyme will also be needed for the swab.
ATP on the swab that has a reaction with the enzyme will produce light. A luminometer is also used for ATP testing which measures this light that is emitted.
The unit of measurement with this type of device is relative light units (RLU) to detect how much ATP must be present to produce the exact amount of light.
It’s important to remember that ATP testing does not just give a strict answer with regard to if ATP is present or not.
Alternatively, it gives us an insight into the varying levels of ATP. This can allow us to see how much ATP is in the test area which can then be analysed against various quality assurance practices.
Charm PocketSwab ATP Hygiene Test
The Charm PocketSwab ATP hygiene test is a single-use swab test that gives rapid results, with an advanced level of sensitivity. It is extremely easy to conduct even for those who have never tried ATP testing before.
This is a simple, three-stage procedure:
● You swab the surface with the PocketSwab
● You twist and shake the device
● You insert it into the Charm Reader for the results.
The PocketSwab releases a controlled dosage of luciferin onto the surface you’re testing. Any active ATP enzymes on the surface will cause a luminescent reaction in the luciferin.
Once you insert the swab into the reader, it will record the relative light units on the swab and determine the presence of allergens.
The PocketSwab’s simple three-stage testing technique is highly effective and gives you the data you need fast, helping to prevent cross-contamination on equipment or surfaces.
The Pocketswab is one of the only tests on the market that breaks down biofilms which can help ensure a zero result, meaning clean really is clean.
How Calibre Control can help
At Calibre Control, we supply a wide range of ATP testing solutions and our team is equipped with the relevant knowledge of what ATP is, how ATP testing works, what is required for ATP and its various applications
By selecting the right swab for your chosen environment, we can ensure that you receive rapid, accurate and effective results.
Our Charm PocketSwab ATP hygiene test is a rapid, user-friendly method for testing ATP levels and measuring surface cleanliness.
The hygiene swab is stable at room temperature and is ideal for simple testing, with no need for reagents. You simply swab the surface and analyse the results using the Charm Novalum system.
This is just one of the methods for ATP testing that we provide.
If you’re looking for an ATP testing solution, why not contact us today?
Browse our website, or make contact directly for more detailed information or advice on how to get started.
We can be easily reached by phone by dialling +44 (0) 1925 860 401 or by email at info@calibrecontrol.com
You can also complete the enquiry form on the Contact us page.
Someone from our team will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.