The presence of ATP on a surface indicates improper cleaning and the presence of contamination, including food residue, allergens and/or bacteria. Hygiena™ luminometers (in conjunction with ATP swabs) use bioluminescence to detect residual ATP as an indicator of surface cleanliness. Therefore, most foods and microbial cells will contain some level of naturally occurring ATP. Processes such as photosynthesis in plants, muscle contraction in humans, respiration in fungi, and fermentation in yeast are all driven by ATP. ATP is produced and/or broken down in metabolic processes in all living systems. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is present in all organic material and is the universal unit of energy used in all living cells. ATP monitoring is a rapid testing method used by food and beverage processors to quickly assess the cleanliness of surfaces or liquid samples from such places as CIP systems.
