Abstract
BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and microbial contamination using a standardized method. Secondarily, analyzing reproducibility of ATP measurements and aerobic colony counts (ACC’s) on the same surface.MethodsATP measurements and ACC’s were conducted on 10 pre-defined fomites in a hospital and nursing home setting. Per fomite two ATP measurements and two agar plate measurements were conducted, each measurement was conducted on a 25 cm2 surface. Both measurements were compared and analyzed for correlation.ResultsIn total 200 paired measurements were conducted, 200 ATP measurements and 200 ACC’s. The mean of all ATP measurements tested on the same surface was calculated, as was for all 200 ACC’s. There was a strong correlation between the mean of two ATP measurements on two different sites on the same fomite (R = 0.800, p < 0.001) as well as between two ACC measurements on the same fomite (R = 0.667, p < 0.001). A much weaker correlation was found between RLU values and ACC’s (R = 0.244, p < 0.001).ConclusionsReproducibility of ATP measurements and ACC’s on the same fomite was good. However, the correlation between RLU values and ACC’s on hospital surfaces was much lower. This may be explained by the wide variety of biological material that is measured with ATP, of which the bacterial load is only one of many components. ATP measurement can be used to give a quantifiable outcome for the rating of cleanliness in health care facilities, however the results cannot be translated into the level of microbial contamination.
Highlights
The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and microbial contamination using a standardized method
In total 400 measurements were conducted on 100 surfaces, consisting of 200 ATP measurements and 200 aerobic colony counts (ACC’s)
The median Relative Light Units (RLU) value for the total of ATP measurements was 461 with a range from 45 up to 209.520
Summary
The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements and microbial contamination using a standardized method. Reducing the spread of microorganisms within the healthcare setting is of great importance to limit the amount of nosocomial infections and control antimicrobial resistance. Environmental swabbing techniques were used to quantify the level of bacterial contamination of surfaces. This technique requires several days before results are available and is relatively costly. A novel method for measuring hospital cleanliness is by measuring the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). As the amount of ATP is quantified, ATP measurements give insight into the level of environmental contamination within the healthcare setting. The ATP results are available within seconds which enable immediate feedback
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
