ATP Swab Testing – Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1. Purpose

To ensure the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation procedures by detecting the presence of organic residues using Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence technology.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all food contact and critical non-contact surfaces post-sanitation in the production and packaging areas.

3. Responsibilities

Sanitation Supervisor:
- Ensures staff are trained on ATP testing procedures.
- Verifies documentation and results are properly logged.

Sanitation Technician:
- Conducts ATP swabbing and logs results.
- Immediately reports out-of-specification results.

4. Materials Needed

- ATP Swabs
- Luminometer
- Gloves
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Log Sheet or Digital Logging Device

5. Procedure

Step 1: Preparation
- Wash hands and wear clean gloves.
- Power on luminometer and ensure calibration.

Step 2: Swabbing
- Select high-risk or randomly selected surfaces post-cleaning.
- Swab a 10x10 cm area using a single ATP swab.
- Rotate and apply consistent pressure during swabbing.

Step 3: Activation
- Immediately activate the swab reagent per manufacturer instructions.
- Insert swab into luminometer.

Step 4: Measurement
- Record the reading in Relative Light Units (RLU).
- Compare result to threshold (e.g., pass if <50 RLU).

Step 5: Documentation & Action
- Log RLU reading, location, time, and technician initials.
- If reading is above threshold, re-clean and retest area.
- Escalate to Sanitation Supervisor for follow-up if retest fails again.

6. Corrective Actions

- Repeat cleaning procedure for failed surfaces.
- Re-train staff if repeated failures occur.
- Review chemical concentrations and dwell times.

7. Records

Maintain ATP log sheets for a minimum of 1 year. Digital logs must be backed up weekly.