Surface hygiene monitoring using ATP + AMP bioluminescence

Many food poisoning incidents and healthcare-associated infections originate from cross-contamination due to ineffective or improper cleaning. ATP+AMP surface hygiene monitoring is a convenient test method for quickly measuring the degree of cleanliness on site. This method provides an excellent tool for hygiene training and cleanliness control to ensure proper equipment and environment.

In any food processing environment, food residues can facilitate survival and growth of microorganisms. In order to prevent contamination of products, it is important to keep food contact surfaces clean. Several hygiene monitoring systems for determination the cleanliness of surfaces exist. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) method is often recommended. However, in some food residues, for example in processed foods, the ATP method shows insufficient sensitivity. In order to improve sensitivity, Kikkoman has developed a bioluminescent enzymatic method using the ATP regeneration enzyme pyruvate orthophosphae dikinase (PPDK), to measure both ATP and AMP as part of the ATP cycle.

ATP(adenosine triphosphate) is a primary molecule involved in the metabolism in all living organisms. AMP (adenosine monophosphate) is derived from ATP during processing, for example during heat treatment or fermentation. The presence of ATP or AMP can be considered proof of the presence of a living organism, organic residues or of a substance produced by a living organism. Hence, the presence of ATP+AMP will act as a foolproof indicator for contamination by bacteria or food residues.

In ATP+AMP surface hygiene monitoring, the degree of contamination is measured in a swab test measuring the light emission generated trough a reaction with luciferase, measuring the total amount of ATP+AMP, which microorganisms, food residues and hospital dirt may have. The light can be measured quantitatively and is an excellent indicator of organic contamination. Ineffective cleaning can thus be accurately determined on-site, in a convenient and fast test method. A clean production environment and better hygiene awareness can thus be ensured.