Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy molecule found in all living things, which makes it a reliable indicator of whether a surface is clean. Companies use ATP systems to verify quickly that surfaces have been cleaned thoroughly in food manufacturing and healthcare, and to check that biofilms are not developing on surfaces where they could affect quality.
With a Hygiena ATP hygiene monitoring system (sometimes called an ATP sanitation monitoring system), the sample is brought into contact with Hygiena's liquid-stable reagent in the test device. Light is emitted in direct proportion to the amount of ATP present, giving a measure of contamination in seconds.
The Hygiena system
A working ATP programme has three parts: the luminometer, the test devices, and a means of verifying the instrument. This page lists the full Hygiena range we carry, which covers all three.
Luminometers: EnSURE Touch, SystemSURE Plus, and the SystemSURE Plus Starter Kit.
ATP tests: UltraSnap surface swabs in 100 and 2000 packs, SuperSnap high-sensitivity surface tests, and AquaSnap Total for water.
Residue tests: PRO-Clean protein and SpotCheck PLUS glucose and lactose tests, which need no instrument.
Support: the CalCheck reusable LED calibration verification device, which replaces the PCD4000, and a SystemSURE Plus USB cable.
Buying advice
Swab compatibility. Hygiena Snap tests are designed for Hygiena luminometers. Results are expressed in RLU (relative light units), and RLU values are not comparable between brands.
Shipping. Test swabs are dispatched with thermal packaging and an ice pack.
Treat ATP swabs as test reagents, not ordinary workshop consumables. Hygiena recommends storing UltraSnap at 2–8°C and allows limited room-temperature storage before use, but that allowance isn't permission to leave a box in a hot van. Check the expiry date, the instructions for the exact swab type and the shipping arrangements before a testing program runs short.
