Quality Assurance

ATP Montoring

Quantitative Quality Control

SMS Healthcare uses ATP monitoring in select areas of the hospital to assist in determining the effectiveness of cleaning processes, reinforce EVS training, and substantiate the role of EVS in decreasing infections.

Quality by the numbers.

How ATP Monitoring Works

ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, the chemical compound that acts as energy for living cells. High ATP levels are indicative of cellular growth, which could signal the presence of infectious organisms.

ATP levels are monitored using a luminometer, a small, hand-held device. Typically, a reading of ATP levels is taken before a surface is cleaned. The tester swabs a surface, inserts the swab into the device, and gets a reading of ATP levels. The surface is then sanitized according to operating procedures, and another reading is taken. The ATP reading should then be at an acceptable level. If it is not, the area may need to be cleaned again, and standard cleaning protocols may need to be evaluated for effectiveness.

Why Use ATP Monitoring?

The use of ATP monitoring in the healthcare space serves three primary purposes:

Ensuring Effective Disinfection Procedures

ATP monitoring can be used to determine the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection processes. If a surface has high levels of ATP after being cleaned according to procedure, this may indicate that the protocols are not adequate for disinfection.

Reinforcing Training

ATP monitoring can be used to reinforce critical touch point recognition and knowledge retention.

Collecting Data

ATP monitoring can provide data that substantiates the role of EVS in decreasing hospital acquired infection rates. Data can easily be compared over time, across departments or facilities to track improvement. Many monitoring devices include software that automates this tracking process.