Technology can Help Find Bacteria and Germs on Surfaces
The pandemic era has landed hygienic cleaning toward the top of any healthcare provider’s essentials list for the foreseeable future. This type of cleaning doesn’t just remove grime that you can see with your eyes, but it also clears contamination and bio-pollutants that traditional cleaning methods often miss. But how can you ever know for sure that your space is spotless?
ATP Testing can Help
New advances in commercial cleaning technology are answering that question. And Jidan Cleaning is among the progressive companies rolling out ATP testing as part of their regular protocols.
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, a molecule found in living things. After cleaning a surface, technicians swab it and test for the presence of ATP microorganisms such as bacteria. The test measures the pathogens present, and a high count indicates that additional cleaning is needed.
Before now, all testing of this kind has only ever been performed in a lab setting. Bringing ATP testing into the facilities that see high traffic, such as schools and healthcare, allows companies like Jidan Cleaning to scientifically verify the results of their cleaning practices on-site, and within minutes.
The Cutting Edge of Technology
Certain spaces and industries are more prone to bacterial growth due to the nature of their work. Jidan Cleaning works with companies and facilities individually to identify goals and develop a strategy to maintain high levels of cleaning standards and ensure the low presence of ATP. Accurate and repeatable monitoring systems are the cutting edge of quality control in this arena.
This technology is new, so working out the limitations and challenges are part of the onboarding process. For instance, the conditions and samples involved in testing are important to consider. Experts recommend testing indoors, with the facility temperature between 70-72 degrees, at a time when direct sunlight is not present. Each of these factors, as well as the presence of chemical or disinfectant residue, could distort results.
Another tactic to ensure accuracy with ATP testing involves broad samples. For example, rather than testing a surface in a single area, it is best to collect samples in a minimum of five different locations on a given surface, focusing on high traffic spots.
A high result is not a deal-breaker. There are many ways to lower ATP test scores by utilizing best practices and products throughout the routine cleaning process. Additionally, proper agitation while scrubbing can break apart biofilm pathogens that can linger on surfaces after a first pass.
We always strive to stay in the know about the best and newest technology and tactics for quality commercial cleaning. If you would like to learn more about this service or any others, contact us today.
