Handheld ATP fluorescence rapid detectorIt is a portable microbial detection device based on ATP bioluminescence technology, widely used in food processing, medical and health, environmental monitoring and other fields. The core principle is to use luciferase to catalyze the reaction between ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and luciferin to generate photons, and quickly evaluate the level of microbial contamination in the sample by detecting the intensity of the light signal. ATP, as the energy carrier of all living cells, is positively correlated with the number of microorganisms, so the detection results can directly reflect the surface cleanliness or microbial residue.

This device adopts an integrated reagent swab design, which integrates sampling, lysis, and detection, making it easy to operate and avoiding cross contamination. The detection sensitivity is as high as 10-10 to 10-18 moles of ATP, and the RLU (relative light unit) value can be read within 10-15 seconds. The correlation with traditional bacterial culture methods is 92% -98%, but the detection efficiency is improved by hundreds of times.

　　Handheld ATP fluorescence rapid detectorThe operation steps usually follow standardized procedures, and the details of different brands of equipment may vary slightly, but the core steps are consistent. The following is a general operation guide:

1、 Preparation before operation

Instrument inspection

Confirm that the detector has sufficient battery (or connected to a power source), and after turning on, check whether the screen display and fluorescence detection module are normal (without error prompts).

Calibration instrument: Some equipment needs to be calibrated regularly with standard samples (such as ATP standard solution) to ensure detection accuracy. Please follow the instructions for specific operations.

consumables preparation

Prepare matching testing swabs (containing lysis solution and reaction solution, single use to avoid contamination), sterile sampling bags (if liquid sample testing is required), disposable gloves, and alcohol swabs (for disinfecting the sampling surface or hands).

Sample and environmental preparation

Clearly identify the detection targets (such as equipment surfaces, tableware, water samples, etc.) to ensure that there are no visible stains in the sampling area (ATP detection targets microbial residues, not physical dirt).

Disinfect hands with alcohol swabs before sampling to avoid human contamination; If detecting the surface of an object, it is necessary to wait for it to dry (to avoid moisture affecting the detection).

2、 Sampling steps

Surface Sampling (Solid/Object Surface)

Take out the test swab and tear open the packaging (note to only touch the swab handle and avoid touching the sampling head).

Use a swab sampling head to evenly wipe the detection surface in a "Z" shape or spiral shape, ensuring sufficient coverage (usually recommended 5 × 5cm area, or according to the recommended area of the equipment).

If detecting gaps, grooves, and other areas, the swab head should be deeply inserted into the gaps to make full contact.

Liquid sample sampling (water, beverages, etc.)

For small amounts of liquid (such as equipment residue), directly dip the swab head into the liquid and fully immerse it.

For large amounts of liquids (such as drinking water and sewage), a sterile sampling bag can be used to take a certain volume (such as 10mL), immerse the swab head in the liquid and stir for 10-15 seconds to ensure sufficient adsorption.

Special sample sampling (such as hands, tableware)

Hand sampling: Use a swab head to wipe both hands (including finger gaps) back and forth from fingertips to fingertips, ensuring coverage of all areas.

Tableware sampling: Use a swab head to wipe the inner surface of tableware (such as the food contact surface of dishes), focusing on the edges and grooves.

3、 Testing reaction steps

Activate reaction solution

Break the sampled swab head (or follow the instructions) and immerse it in the reaction solution inside the swab tube, mix thoroughly (gently squeeze the swab tube to ensure that the contents of the sampling head are released into the reaction solution).

Static reaction: Some devices require room temperature reaction for 10-30 seconds (to allow ATP to fully bind with the reaction solution and produce fluorescent substances), and the specific time should be executed according to the swab instructions.

instrument detection

Open the detection chamber of the detector, place the processed swab tube into the chamber, and close the chamber door.

Press the "Detect" button on the instrument, and the device will automatically excite fluorescence and read the intensity. The detection is usually completed within 3-10 seconds (with slight differences in time for different devices).

4、 Result reading and recording

The results show

After the detection is completed, the instrument screen will display the relative light unit (RLU) value - the higher the RLU value, the higher the ATP content in the sample and the greater the risk of microbial contamination.

Some devices will preset thresholds (such as "qualified/unqualified" judgment), which can be directly referenced; If custom standards are required, they should be set in conjunction with industry standards or historical data.

Data recording and analysis

Record information such as testing time, location, sample type, RLU value, etc. Some devices support data storage or export (Bluetooth/USB) for easy traceability and statistics.

If the result exceeds the standard (RLU value is higher than the threshold), it needs to be cleaned and disinfected again and tested again until it is qualified.

5、 Post operation processing

Instrument cleaning

After the testing is completed, turn off the power of the instrument and wipe the inner wall and surface of the testing chamber with an alcohol swab to avoid residual reaction solution contaminating subsequent testing.

Consumables processing

Used swabs belong to medical waste (or infectious waste) and should be placed in dedicated garbage bags according to local regulations for centralized disposal. They cannot be discarded at will.

Equipment maintenance

Regularly clean the optical lens of the instrument (using specialized lens paper) to avoid dust affecting detection accuracy; When not in use for a long time, the battery should be removed or kept fully charged, and stored in a dry and cool place.