A Hygiena EnSURE ATP meter measures adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels by using bioluminescence technology. ATP, the universal energy molecule found in all living cells, emits light when it reacts with specific enzymes. Here’s how the process works:
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The meter uses a specialized swab to collect a sample from a surface.
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The swab is inserted into a test device containing the enzymes luciferase and luciferin.
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ATP present in the sample reacts with luciferase and luciferin, initiating a bioluminescent reaction that produces light.
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The amount of light generated is proportional to the amount of ATP, which correlates to organic material and microbial contamination.
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A photomultiplier tube or photodiode within the meter detects this light intensity.
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The meter converts the light intensity into a digital readout, usually reported as Relative Light Units (RLU), indicating the cleanliness level of the tested surface.
This method provides rapid, real-time results typically within seconds, enabling immediate hygiene verification. It measures total ATP, capturing microbial and eukaryotic contamination, making it a sensitive indicator of biological residue that may indicate poor cleaning or potential contamination. The technology is widely used in food safety, healthcare hygiene monitoring, and sanitation quality control.
In summary, the Hygiena EnSURE ATP meter measures ATP by triggering a bioluminescent reaction with luciferase enzymes and quantifying the emitted light, which directly indicates organic contamination on surfaces.
