Measuring Unseen Cleaning Effectiveness
ATP metering allows for comparisons of removal of microorganisms and their nutrient sources. Photo courtesy of Kaivac.Today's cleaning challenges call for attention to Cleaning the Unseen(TM) in order to control disease transmission and odors. Extensive testing done at the University of North Carolina showed researchers that effective techniques of Cleaning the Unseen not only improved occupant health and reduced absenteeism, but improved the cleaning quality you can visualize, or aesthetic cleaning, as well.
PUR-O-ZONE can incorporate two types of ATP measurement into your cleaning regimen, either the 3M Clean Trace(TM) or System SURE II(TM) bioluminescence meters. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy component present in everything from bacteria to grapes. Anything organic has an ATP signature in its cells. So with ATP metering you can get an idea of how much surface contamination and nutrient sources you have left in an area. After determining which areas require the most attention, and therefore lowest readings, you are on your way to a successful program.
By testing on a regular basis, at regular intervals related to cleaning schedules, and in the same locations each time, you can establish both a "before and after" baseline for your Cleaning the Unseen regimen. Then with additional scheduled tests, you establish on-going immediate relative quantification of how safe your cleaning program is.
Today's health challenges call for treating touch points where bacteria and viruses can live and be transferred from one building occupant to another. In the process of developing a testing routine, you will establish which points are representative of the critical issues you determine for your facility.
There are two approaches. The first is for you to purchase a meter that fits your needs and test swabs for your own program of testing. For certain businesses and facilities where issues such as MRSA, C. diff and Norovirus have extremely expensive consequences, this is likely your best approach. For many other facilities, a program managed by PUR-O-ZONE specialists on a regular cycle may be the most cost effective. Your PUR-O-ZONE representative can help you determine a program that fits your needs and evaluate the costs.
What gets measured gets done. An ATP bioluminescence-metering program not only improves results, it gives you quantitative methods of comparing success among staff members in a realm that of necessity was unmeasurable by practical means not long ago. ATP metering makes this important level of measurement practical.
A few example areas already being tested with ATP metering:
Wrestling mats Door knobs Patient bed rails Medication entry keyboards Keyboards School desk tops Telephones Cafeteria tables Reception counters Kitchen food-preparation areas Grills Shower floors Stair railings Restroom fixtures Restroom door plates Emergency vehicle gurneys Athletic equipment Day care toys Examination tables
Once you have an ATP program going, as part of your facilty's Alignment Process, we can assist you in determining the most effective cleaning technologies available for specific challenges or sticking points. Educational material can be targeted for your staff to improve deficiencies. These additional educational services are just part of working with PUR-O-ZONE.