內視鏡清潔驗證的 ATP 測試程序

In healthcare facilities, ensuring that reusable medical devices are thoroughly cleaned before disinfection or sterilization is critical for patient safety. One of the most effective methods for verifying cleaning effectiveness is ATP測試.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) testing provides rapid and objective evidence of residual organic contamination on medical devices and surfaces. By measuring ATP levels, healthcare professionals can assess whether cleaning procedures have successfully removed biological residues such as blood, 組織, 細菌, 和其他有機物.

This article explains the ATP test procedure, its importance, required materials, step-by-step testing instructions, and how ATP swab products can improve cleaning verification programs.

What Is ATP Testing?

ATP, or Adenosine Triphosphate, is the universal energy molecule found in all living cells, 包括:

• Human cells
• Blood residues
• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Mold
• Plant materials

When ATP comes into contact with a special bioluminescent reagent, a light reaction occurs. The amount of light produced is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present in the sample.

An ATP monitoring system measures this light and reports the result in Relative Light Units (RLUs). Lower RLU values indicate cleaner surfaces, while higher values suggest residual contamination remains after cleaning.

ATP Test Procedure: 逐步指南

Materials Required

Before performing ATP testing, prepare the following:

• ATP test swab device
• ATP luminometer (ATP meter)
• Sterile gloves
• Clean scissors (如果需要)
• Sample collection accessories

For narrow internal channels such as endoscopes, specialized ATP sampling swabs are recommended.

步 1: Wear Sterile Gloves

Always wear sterile gloves and follow aseptic techniques throughout the sampling process.

Proper handling helps prevent contamination that could affect ATP test results.

步 2: 收集樣本

Insert the ATP sampling swab into the channel or area being tested.

For endoscope channels:

1. Remove the sterile ATP swab from its package.
2. Carefully feed the swab through the internal channel.
3. Allow the swab to contact the entire internal surface.
4. Withdraw the swab completely from the device.

The sampling process should be performed immediately after cleaning and before high-level disinfection or sterilization whenever possible.

步 3: 轉移樣品

Place the collected sample into the ATP test device according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If a detachable sampling tip is used:

1. Insert the tip into the ATP test tube.
2. Ensure the tip reaches the bottom of the tube.
3. Secure the test device for activation.

步 4: Activate the ATP Reagent

Activate the ATP test device by releasing the reagent contained within the test tube.

通常:

• Bend or snap the activation valve.
• Squeeze the reagent bulb.
• Allow the reagent to flow onto the sample.

The reagent reacts with ATP present on the swab tip.

步 5: Mix the Sample

Shake the ATP test device vigorously for approximately 10 秒.

This ensures complete contact between the sample and the reagent, producing a reliable bioluminescent reaction.

步 6: Read the Sample

Insert the activated ATP test device into the luminometer.

The instrument will measure the light emitted from the reaction and calculate an RLU value.

Most ATP systems provide results within 10–15 seconds.

步 7: Interpret the Results

The RLU value indicates the cleanliness level of the tested area.

General interpretation guidelines:

Each ATP monitoring system may have specific pass/fail thresholds established by validation studies or facility protocols.

ATP Sampling Solution from MEIDIKE GENE

MEIDIKE GENE ATP Swab

For ATP cleanliness verification of endoscopes and cannulated medical devices, MEIDIKE GENE ATP Swab is specifically designed to collect samples from hard-to-reach internal channels.

ATP拭子 3 毫米

ATP拭子 2 毫米

主要特點

• High-absorption sponge tip for efficient ATP collection
• Flexible polypropylene shaft for navigating curved channels
• Available in multiple tip diameters:
  • 2 mm× 240 毫米
  • 3 mm× 240 毫米
• Suitable for endoscope lumen sampling
• 無菌, single-use design
• Customizable specifications available

應用

• Endoscope cleaning verification
• Medical device cleanliness monitoring
• ATP bioburden testing
• Infection prevention programs
• Hospital sterile processing departments

好處

✔ Improves sampling efficiency in narrow channels

✔ Helps obtain more representative ATP samples

✔ Supports cleaning validation protocols

✔ Reduces the risk of false-negative results caused by inadequate sample collection