Frequently asked questions

Studies by the CDC and other non-governmental institutions have recommended ATP testing as way to verify cleaning. A 5-year study of two UK hospitals (North Tees and Hartlepool) using Hygiena’s system was released in December 2012. This study shows how using ATP monitoring improved cleanliness and reduced C. diff infections more than 35%. ATP testing has been the industry standard for food and beverage processors for many decades. Silliker Laboratories, the leading international food testing and safety laboratory, conducted an independent study comparing five commercial ATP systems. This study found that Hygiena’s products offer superior linearity, sensitivity, repeatability, and accuracy. For more information, or a copy of the full report, complete this form.

ATP testing devices contain a natural enzyme found in fireflies. This enzyme produces a simple bioluminescence (light-producing) reaction when it comes into contact with ATP. Using bioluminescence technology, the SystemSURE Plus luminometer can measure extremely low levels of ATP collected with testing devices. Measuring the amount of bioluminescence from an ATP reaction provides an excellent indication of surface cleanliness because the quantity of light generated by the reaction is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present in the sample. The bioluminescence reaction is immediate so results can be processed at the testing site in seconds. Results are expressed numerically on the luminometer screen in Relative Light Units (RLU). Bioluminescence is the result of a biochemical reaction and is the science behind Hygiena ATP detection tests. The reaction includes the following elements: Luciferin /Luciferase -naturally occurring in fireflies Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - the energy molecule of all living organisms Oxygen- a catalyst Luciferin /Luciferase + ATP + O2 == == Light output https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined The reaction occurs in two steps: The substrate combines with ATP and oxygen, which is controlled by the enzyme. The chemical energy in step 1 excites a specific molecule (the combination of Luciferin and Luciferase). The result is decay which is manifested as photon emission, or light production. The light is simply a byproduct of the chemical reaction and does not depend on light.

RLU stands for Relative Light Unit and is the unit of measure used in bioluminescence. Luminometers measure and quantify light with an RLU output. Because manufacturers use different sensor technologies and algorithms for adding up the photons, RLU measurements will vary from system to system. However, because the ATP bioluminescence reaction is linear, the more ATP present means the more light will be present. (Comparing RLU values is like comparing Fahrenheit and Celsius; they are two different scales for the same temperature.) Using Hygiena’s SystemSURE Plus and UltraSnap ATP swabs: 1 RLU = 1 femtomole ATP (1x10 -15 mole) https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

One misconception of ATP monitoring systems is that pre-cleaning and post-cleaning measurements need to be taken to measure cleaning effectiveness. ATP swabs should never be used on surfaces that are known to be soiled or dirty, as they will always result in a Fail test result. Sanitation companies and chemical suppliers will often use pre-clean and post-clean ATP tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of cleaning products, but this demonstration should not be confused with regular use in an ATP monitoring program. ATP monitoring should only be done after cleaning and not before and after cleaning. This is a key advantage of ATP monitoring over fluorescent marking systems that require multiple location visits as described above. Facilities also do not need to monitor every single location available, but only a statistically representative sample.

Not specifically. The only way to identify MRSA or C. diff is with microbiological testing methods that can take several days for results. ATP systems only detect the presence of organic materials on a surface and cannot detect specific strains of bacteria.

Hygiena provides recommendations for broad risk categories such as guest rooms, public areas, etc. For a full guide on establishing Pass/Fail RLU limits, refer to the System Implementation Guide.

Yes. Pass/Fail limits are 100% customizable to fit your facility and program needs. To adjust limits for specific locations, simply edit the Unit Set-Up data in the SureTrend software.

A biofilm is formed when microorganisms find a receptive environment where they are exposed to food and moisture. The microorganisms work together as a population and secrete a sticky polymer to form a solid matrix attached to a surface. Once a biofilm is established, it is very difficult to eliminate because the microbes are reinforced and protected by the matrix, making them very resistant to sanitizers. The threat of a biofilm can be eliminated with proper ATP hygiene monitoring, allowing early detection and removal of organic residue – thus eliminating the food source for possible biofilm-forming microbes. In addition, UltraSnap ATP swabs have a unique detergent on the swab tip that cuts through biofilm and exposes the underlying cells. If a biofilm has already developed, there will be more ATP on a surface, which will result in a higher RLU and it can be detected by the SystemSURE Plus and eliminated with vigorous cleaning. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

ATP testing should ideally be done after cleaning, but before sanitizer or hydrogen peroxide vapor is applied. Because sanitizers are less effective when product residues are on the surface, it is best to eliminate all ATP before the sanitizer step. In some facilities, testing after cleaning is not possible. In these scenarios testing after sanitizing is acceptable. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined

Cleaning is the removal of organic matter and the reduction of risk from material which is a potential contaminant, or material which could support the survival and growth of microbes. Disinfection is the reduction of microbiological hazards to a minimal level but not necessarily complete inactivation of all microbiological hazards. Sterilization is the complete destruction and inactivation of all microbial hazard.

Surfaces do not have to be dry to perform a swab test. However, for consistent readings, surfaces should be swabbed in the same conditions (always wet or always dry). Hygiena swabs come pre-moistened for maximum sample recovery on dry surfaces.

Several sanitizers commonly used in hospitality applications have been tested at normal working strength and found to have no significant effect on either SnapShot or UltraSnap performance. Only acid-based sanitizer, if used at higher than manufacturer-recommended concentrations have been found to have an effect on performance. If you are unsure about the chemical nature of your sanitizer, consult your sanitizer manufacturer or Hygiena technical sup

Critical (high-risk) test sites should be swabbed on a daily basis, after each cleaning or after terminal cleaning. If a failure is measured, immediate corrective action should be taken with re-cleaning and re-testing until a passing result can be measured. Regular (lower-risk) control points may not need to be tested as frequently.