ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the molecule that functions as the universal energy driver present in every cell of organic matter. Given that ATP occurs within all cells of life, we can thus use this information to test for the presence of cells in the production environment that may cause contamination.

ATP tests can provide early detection of contamination problem areas, validate sanitation procedures, and ultimately protect product quality and brand reputation.

Higher RLU Reading Higher ATP Levels...

The higher the RLU ( Relative Light Units ) reading, the higher the amount of ATP that was detected, and thus the higher number of cells present. This relationship is an indication of the cleanliness of the surface tested.

ATP is detected using the bioluminescence method. This procedure involves swabbing a small surface area (10 cm x 10 cm) and inserting the swab into a luminometer that quickly provides a reading. The bioluminescence method utilizes a biochemical reaction involving ATP and the luciferase enzyme, which is naturally occurring in fireflies.

With oxygen as the catalyst, luciferase reacts with any ATP absorbed by the swab and produces a light output. This light is then quantified into RLUs (Relative Light Unit), which is displayed as the “relative” reading for the amount of ATP present. The RLU reading is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present — meaning the higher the RLU reading, the higher the amount of ATP that was detected, and thus the higher number of cells present. This relationship is an indication of the cleanliness of the surface tested.

Although ATP swabbing gives us a good look at the total quantity of cells left behind after sanitation, this type of assay only signals either the presence or absence of cells.

ATP tests do NOT distinguish between microbial and organic matter cell type.

An RLU reading above zero signifies the presence of ATP; however, the ATP source could have originated from cells of product ingredients, bacteria, or any other organic material that may have come in contact with the surface.

ATP presence only implies uncleanliness and a possibility for contamination. On the other hand, an RLU reading of zero does not mean the surface is sterile. Sterility implies the complete absence of all living bacteria.

Given that the ATP test cannot differentiate between microbial cells versus product ingredient cells, we cannot assume sterility if the RLU reading is zero.

Given that the ATP assay does not distinguish between organic material and microbial ATP, you use the test results to validate the relative cleanliness of surfaces after performing sanitation procedures.

Other microbiological tests can be performed if the knowledge of specific organisms is desired. Special attentiveness should be applied to hard-to-clean areas such as irregularly shaped objects, grooves, and corners.

The best time to perform the swab test on these areas is immediately following the sanitization of the facility or right before production. Test any area that product may come in direct contact with (especially hard-to-clean areas that might have been missed). If the results are unsatisfactory, you now have time to re-sanitize before the product comes in contact with possible contamination microbes.

Thorough and effective sanitation is crucial in pet food production as it allows you to produce high-quality pet food that is also safe.

There are many benefits to using Kikkoman ATP swabs as an environmental monitoring procedure that can verify your sanitation practices.

Although the results of these tests are not microbiologically specific, you are able to gain at a quick glance the overall picture of cleanliness.

This method can also be utilized as intensely or casually as is practical for each production facility.

The Kikkoman ATP hygiene monitoring system involves swabbing multiple areas around the production facility (before, during and after operations) in order to give you a picture of the facilities overall cleanliness and sanitation efficacy.

Kikkoman ATP monitoring can be an extremely useful tool when creating a map of hot-spots or trouble areas for contamination within the facility.

Keeping track of contamination incidents is often difficult when the site or source of contamination is unknown. Wine that has become contaminated may not be discovered until well after the initial contamination occasion.

Implementing a thorough sanitation program is key to maintaining a clean facility and upholding product quality. Having a verification procedure should be included in the sanitation program to act as a self-check to ensure the program is effective.

By documenting areas where the sanitation has failed and the ATP result is deemed unacceptable, you can begin to create a map of when and where these potential contamination sites might occur. With enough of this data you may begin to discover trends and be able to point out exactly why the contamination issue or process error is occurring, and therefore prevent further contamination.

Would you like help setting up your factory hygiene monitoring? Call us today on freephone 0800 724 633 or email info@scienze.nz