DETECTION OF BACTERIAL ETIOLOGY USING BIOLUMINESCENCE METHOD ON CUP LIDS DUE TO THE CHANGE IN THEIR FREQUENCY OF USE – SHORT COMMUNICATION

Abstract

Nowadays, cup with a drink is an attribute of a modern consumer. It is used for hot drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and cold drinks (e.g. fruit juices). Currently, there is a noticeable tendency to replace disposable cups with one reusable cup. The barrier to their reuse (especially the mouthpiece on the lid), is the lack of knowledge about its microbiological state. The aim of the presented research was to estimate the risk of bacterial etiology occurrence on disposable and reused lids. The overall metabolic activity of microorganisms was assessed by measuring ATP using the bioluminescence method. Detection of microorganisms was carried out on the abiotic surface (PP / PS), both on the lids of disposable cups used once and repeatedly. Contact with the personnel's hands was also considered. The results of the experiment indicate that the contact of the lids with the personnel's hands is not a reason for the increasing amount of ATP. The highest amounts of ATP were observed on lids of cups used repeatedly.