Proposed ATP Benchmark Values by Patient Care Area

Abstract

BACKGROUND Optimal cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in healthcare facilities is paramount to limit the impact of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay systems are widely used as a method for objectively measuring environmental cleanliness. However, there is no current consensus on standardized pass/fail values. The objective of this study was to establish benchmark ATP assay values in specific care areas to be used as a measure to improve environmental disinfection in healthcare settings. METHODS Environmental samples were collected in a 115-bed acute care community hospital in Texas over a 68-month period. Surface samples were collected for the presence of ATP using an ATP bioluminescence monitor and reported as Relative Light Units (RLU). Sampled surfaces were selected at random from locations within the hospital that included emergency department (ED), operating rooms (OR), and near patient areas. All results were entered into a Microsoft Excel database to determine arithmetic means. RESULTS A total of 1300 samples were collected: 172, 177, 951 in ED, OR, and near patient areas respectively. Measurements were taken when no patients or medical staff were in the areas and after the locations had been cleaned by hospital environmental service (EVS) personnel. The mean values were, 70 RLU for ED, 25 RLU for OR, and 92 RLU for near patient areas. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and lowering the risk of HAIs is essential in all healthcare facilities. This study has provided provisional benchmarks by care area that may be used for monitoring and improving environmental disinfection.