Why ATP Readings are a Must-Have for Property Restoration
Introduction
When it comes to property restoration, cleanliness and hygiene are of the utmost importance. A dirty or contaminated environment can lead to a range of health problems, and can also hinder the restoration process itself. This is where ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) readings come into play.
Photo – Molecular Structure of Adenosine Triphosphate
In this blog, we’ll explore why ATP readings are used, and why Winmar® Kootenay often incorporates them into your restoration project.
What are ATP Readings?
ATP readings are a measure of the amount of active biological matter in a sample. This can include things like bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms. By measuring the amount of ATP present in a sample, it’s possible to get an idea of the overall cleanliness and hygiene of that environment.
While ATP testing does not directly detect viruses because viruses are not technically living cells, ATP testing can rapidly and indirectly indicate the presence of viruses by detecting biological matter that might contain them.
How is ATP actually sampled?
Winmar Kootenay performs bioluminescence testing by using a device called a luminometer. This is the same device carried by Canada’s Health inspectors who monitor the cleanliness of food production facilities and restaurant kitchens.
Photo: Luminometer with swab
We swab the surface in question (floor, walls, countertops, etc) and then the luminometer reads the sample, expressing the result in RLU’s or Relative Light Units. A sample is taken both before and after the remediation work for quality assurance. Simply put, we want to provide proof that the surface was cleaned as best as we can.
Photo: Swabbing a surface
Photo – Inserting the swab into the luminometer to obtain reading
Photos: Before and after readings from a vehicle’s high touch surfaces after decontamination
What do the readings mean?
- On trauma and crime scene projects, we often see readings exceeding 5,000
- On sewage jobs, we can be in the 1,000 to 5,000 range
- On an average cell phone, we see readings in the 500-800 range. (eeeeew)
- After successful decontamination, we strive for final readings of under 10.
Photo – Example ranges of readings.
What type of projects warrant ATP samples and what are some of the main hazards?
- Category 2 and 3 water (grey, sewage)
- Coli
- Giardia (beaver fever)
- Cryptosporidium
- Trauma, Crime Scene, and Bodily Fluids
- Hepatitis B, C
- HIV
- Coronavirus
- Syphillis
- Rodent droppings (birds, mice)
- Hantavirus
- Histoplasmosis
- Avian Flu
Photo – E.Coli under Electron Microscope
Photo – Giardia (source – Center for Disease Control)
- Other projects where ATP sampling may be beneficial are
- Reviews of cleaning program efficacy
- High touch point surfaces in public spaces or vehicles
Why are ATP Readings Important for Property Restoration?
- Ensure Cleanliness and Hygiene: A high ATP reading suggests that there is a high level of organic matter present, which can harbor bacteria and other pathogens. By measuring ATP levels, we can ensure that our cleaning and decontaminating processes are effective and that surfaces are as safe as reasonably possible for use. This is especially important when your basement has been full of category 3 water.
Photo – Category 3 water extraction from basement
- Baseline for Tracking and Improvement: Regular ATP readings provide a baseline for tracking and improvement over time. By measuring ATP levels before and after a scheduled cleaning, or a written cleaning procedure, restoration companies can monitor the effectiveness of their cleaning processes and make changes as necessary to improve their results. Sometimes we perform the restoration work, only to read a 100 RLU, and have to re-do a portion of the decontamination process in order to achieve a result below 10.
- Quick and Convenient: ATP readings are quick, simple, and provide immediate results, making it a convenient method for monitoring cleanliness and hygiene. We don’t have to mail samples to the lab and wait for laboratory analysis. From the time the swab is taken to a reding being provided is 30 seconds. This allows Winmar® Kootenay to quickly assess the state of a property and take the necessary steps to ensure that it is safe for use.
- Helps Maintain Standards: ATP readings are a standard tool in many industries, including food production and healthcare. By incorporating this modern technology already used by health-focused industries, Winmar® Kootenay can demonstrate our commitment to cleanliness and hygiene, worker safety, and help set a high bar for industry standards.
In conclusion, ATP readings are a must-have tool on certain restoration projects. They provide an easy and effective way to ensure that a property is clean and safe and can help us track the cleaning progress and maintain standards.
So, if you see our technicians taking swab samples of the work area, do not be alarmed. Ask them what readings they are getting, and we are more than happy to share these with you.
Just one more way we provide the best possible service to you. Contact WINMAR Kootenay.