Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008 - (Page 10)

atp deteCtion (continued from page 5) conductor within all living cells, and as such, it is a vital component of germs and bacteria,” says Martin Easter, general manager of Hygenia International Worldwide, which specializes in rapid-hygienemonitoring systems as well as other devices used to detect harmful microorganisms. “By wiping out ATP, you wipe out the health risks associated with working in an ATP-contaminated environment.” How It Works ATP detection usually involves just a few simple steps, says Easter. First, cleaners use a carefully- prepared swab that contains a special enzyme compound to retrieve samples from the testing area. It is important to make sure the swab does not touch anything except the area being tested. Next, they place the swab into a handheld ATP detector, and within 15 seconds, the results are in. ATP samples can be taken from anywhere, but with a proper cleaning program in place, cleaning professionals need to focus only on those points where harmful bacteria and food may come in contact or where bacteria can be transferred, such as counters and related surfaces or high-touch areas, such as door handles. The chemical reaction that enables these hand-held devices to monitor ATP is similar to how a firefly illuminates its body. That is, the enzyme compound on the swab interacts with ATP taken from the test area to provide a glowing effect that is measured using relative light units (RLU). If the device registers a high number of RLUs, that indicates a greater presence of ATP in the testing area and, of course, the need for more stringent cleaning procedures. To make the most of ATP detection, Easter recommends establishing a system of control points at designated locations to track down sources of the molecule and isolate contaminated surfaces that lead to the formation of harmful bacteria. High-risk areas must be swabbed daily to ensure that overall cleanliness is being maintained, and if ATP is detected, the area should be cleaned and immediately retested to gauge the effectiveness of the cleaning system. According to Easter, this method gives professional cleaners the ability to prevent areas from becoming health hazards, and continual retests ensure that hotels, restaurants, and other industries are not exposing individuals to unsanitary conditions. With hygiene, sanitation, and overall cleanliness a top priority for health inspectors, it is obvious that conventional cleaning supplies can do only so much. Performing ATP testing is a proactive step to help keep work environments free from harmful bacteria, as it gives fast and accurate information regarding the effectiveness of cleaning methods. With the proper testing system in place, the advantages are too beneficial to ignore. ATP detection also helps ensure that people like Jerry and Maggie remain healthy, loyal customers— and who wouldn’t want that? Steps to Using an ATP System Step 1: Test area is swabbed. Step 2: Swab is placed in container. W Michael Schiavetta is a writer with AlturaSolutions Communications, a Chicago-based communications firm. He may be reached by calling 773525-3021. Step 3: Container is placed in hand-held ATP system for analysis. Visit www.ieha.org and take advantage of a great member benefit: 10% off and free shipping when you buy Crocs®! Step 4: Results are available on the hand-held device, or can be loaded to a computer to save and log ongoing results. * Photos courtesy Hygiena. 0 Executive Housekeeping Today/January 2008 http://www.ieha.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008 Contents Executive Corner How Hand-Held Computers Benefit Quality Assurance Programs Shining the Light on ATP Detection Frugal Housekeeper MRSA: Myth or Monster? The Impact of New Laundry Technology I.E.H.A.’s 41st Educational Conference and Convention Wrap-Up Board Briefing 2007 Audit Report The Green Scene 2007 International Housekeepers Week Celebrations! Inside the Industry Product Highlights Advertisers' Index Joint IEHA/ISSA Members New Members Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008

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