Question 1

Why do I get a different RLU result when I re-measure the same test device again in the luminometer?

Accepted Answer

You will always get a different reading when trying to re-read the same test device more than once. The meter is reading the amount of light given off by the reagent. This value peaks and then begins to drop off. Always measure your test device within the time recommended in the product instructions. Any result you receive after the first reading may be misleading because that light will continue to decrease until, eventually, no light is emitted.

Question 2

What do the 'P1-P9' refer to on the the Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR)?

Accepted Answer

The P1 through P9 refer to the programs available to run on the Small Format Incubator. Each program can run two separate temperatures and times, one after the other in consecutive order.

Press the “Prog.” key to select various programs, from P1 to P9. For example, Select P8, the press the [ key to move the cursor, press the p or q keys to set a new value.
Users can set two temperatures and times for each program. The single ■ symbol, is the first temperature and time, the double ■ ■ symbol is the second temperature and time.
Press the [key to repeatedly to navigate all the way to the right of the display screen to toggle between the first and second temperature and time.
In eight seconds, the cursor will dissapear, exiting the setting interface.
See example diagram below:

Image

Question 3

Will direct sunlight affect test results?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tests activated and measured in direct sunlight will distort results, increasing the RLU output. If a test must be collected outside, the swab device should be activated and measured out of the direct sunlight.

Question 4

How does temperature affect ATP test results?

Accepted Answer

Ambient temperatures of 20–22 °C (70–72 °F) provide optimal performance. The only time ambient temperatures can affect results is if reagents are at a low temperature. This can happen if testing is done immediately after taking the tests out of the refrigerator. If testing in cold environments, the instrument will self-adjust to external temperature, but the luciferase reagents need to be at  20–22 °C (70–72 °F) to function optimally.
If reagents are cold, then the reaction will be slower and the RLU result for a given amount of ATP will be lower.
However, temperature does not affect light measurement from the instrument, provided that it has been equilibrated to the environmental conditions. The instrument will sense an environmental temperature change of 5 °C and will automatically initiate a 15-second recalibration sequence.
The user can also initiate a manual recalibration at any time by pressing and holding the OK button for 3 seconds.
The system can be used in cold environments (e.g., 5 °C) if the instrument is equilibrated for 10 – 15 minutes before use and if the reagent swab devices are kept warm, e.g., by storage in an internal pocket close to body heat.

Question 5

How do sanitizers or soap affect Hygiena products?

Accepted Answer

Several sanitizers commonly used in the food & beverage and healthcare industries have been tested at normal working strength and have no significant effect on UltraSnap® performance. Only acid-based sanitizers, if used at higher than normal concentrations, have been found to have an effect on performance. If you are unsure about the chemical nature of your sanitizers, consult your sanitizer manufacturer or Hygiena technical support.

Question 6

How do I erase the results off the handheld?

Accepted Answer

There are two ways to erase the results off the handheld.
For EnSURE® Touch:

Connect to WiFi (internet). Click the Sync button from the home screen then the Sync Now button. 
Automatic syncing occurs when connected to WiFi.

For SystemSure® Plus:

If you are using SureTrend® software, simply connect your luminometer to your computer, click “Synchronize” in SureTrend, upload results, and click “Yes” when asked if you would like to erase test results memory.
If you want to erase the results without syncing to SureTrend, select the * button on the meter, then use the arrows to navigate to the Memory menu. Press “OK” to select, and then press and hold down the * button for 2 seconds. This will display the total number of stored results to be erased. To accept and start the erase function, press and hold down the “OK” button for 1 second. To cancel, press any other button.

Question 7

How do I change minutes to hours on the timer?

Accepted Answer

Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2):

To change from minutes to hours, press and hold either the p or q and the time will jump at increments of 10 minutes until the desired time in hours is set.

Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR):

The timer unit of time can be set to either minutes or seconds. To set the unit of time press the[ key to enter the setting interface, release, then hold the [ key for two seconds. Press the p or q to select minutes or seconds then press the [ key to confirm.

Question 8

How do I set my Pass and Fail limits for my ATP program?

Accepted Answer

All systems come preset with generic limits that can usually be applied to most processing facilities. These thresholds have been established over the years by companies performing ATP testing and are supported by scientific research papers. These thresholds are typically a good starting point for companies new to ATP testing. You may also set your own Pass/Fail RLU limits by collecting samples from test locations and establishing your own baseline readings.

Question 9

How do I establish my Pass/Fail RLU limits?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena provides industry-standardized recommendations for broad risk categories such as near-patient areas, public areas, etc. You may also set your own Pass/Fail RLU limits by collecting samples from test locations.

Question 10

How does bioluminescence work?

Accepted Answer

Bioluminescence is the result of a biochemical reaction and is the science behind Hygiena ATP detection tests. The reaction includes the following elements:

Luciferase enzyme- naturally occurring in fireflies, or synthetically manufactured
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy molecule of all living organisms
Oxygen- a catalyst
Luciferin- a molecule that undergoes a chemical charge when affixed by an enzyme

ATP + Luciferin + Luciferase + O2 → Light output
The reaction occurs in two steps: The substrate combines with ATP and oxygen, which is controlled by the enzyme. The chemical energy in step 1 excites a specific molecule (the combination of Luciferin and Luciferase). The result is decay which is manifested as photon emission or light production, which is measured in a luminometer. The light is simply a by-product of the chemical reaction and does not depend on light.
Hygiena® ATP testing devices contain a natural enzyme found in fireflies. This enzyme produces a simple bioluminescent (light-producing) reaction when it comes into contact with ATP. Using bioluminescence technology, the SystemSURE® Plus, EnSURE® or EnSURE® Touch luminometers can measure extremely low levels of ATP collected with testing devices. Measuring the amount of bioluminescence from an ATP reaction provides an excellent indication of surface cleanliness because the quantity of light generated by the reaction is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present in the sample. The bioluminescence reaction is immediate so results can be processed at the testing site in seconds. Results are expressed numerically on the luminometer screen in Relative Light Units (RLU).

Question 11

How does ATP monitoring work?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena™ ATP testing devices contain a natural enzyme found in fireflies. This enzyme produces a simple bioluminescenct (light-producing) reaction when it comes into contact with ATP. Using bioluminescence technology, the SystemSURE™ Plus, EnSURE™ or EnSURE™ Touch luminometers can measure extremely low levels of ATP collected with testing devices. Measuring the amount of bioluminescence from an ATP reaction provides an excellent indication of surface cleanliness because the quantity of light generated by the reaction is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present in the sample. The bioluminescence reaction is immediate so results can be processed at the testing site in seconds. Results are expressed numerically on the luminometer screen in Relative Light Units (RLU).
Bioluminescence is the result of a biochemical reaction and is the science behind Hygiena™ ATP detection tests. The reaction includes the following elements:

Luciferin /Luciferase -naturally occurring in fireflies
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy molecule of all living organisms
Oxygen- a catalyst

Luciferin /Luciferase + ATP + O2 → Light output

Question 12

How does SureTrend ensure my data's security on the cloud?

Accepted Answer

SureTrend takes extensive measures to ensure the security of your data on the cloud. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, a trusted provider used by over 95% of Fortune 500 companies, we utilize advanced security protocols to protect your information. Every piece of data is encrypted from the moment it enters the system, during transit to the Azure data center, and while stored. We employ transparent data encryption (TDE) and SSL encryption (TLS 1.2 128-byte) to safeguard your data. Additionally, we conduct continuous security assessments with third-party experts to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Learn more about our data security measures in this white paper.

Question 13

How does SureTrend ensure my data's security on the cloud? - Cloned

Accepted Answer

SureTrend takes extensive measures to ensure the security of your data on the cloud. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, a trusted provider used by over 95% of Fortune 500 companies, we utilize advanced security protocols to protect your information. Every piece of data is encrypted from the moment it enters the system, during transit to the Azure data center, and while stored. We employ transparent data encryption (TDE) and SSL encryption (TLS 1.2 128-byte) to safeguard your data. Additionally, we conduct continuous security assessments with third-party experts to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Learn more about our data security measures in this white paper.

Question 14

How can SureTrend help me with audits and compliance?

Accepted Answer

With SureTrend, users can easily access, analyze and manage all food safety data from multiple sources in one secure platform, making it simpler to prepare for both internal and external audits. The platform supports enhanced collaboration and communication among stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is up to date with compliance requirements.

Question 15

How do I check the calibration of my incubator?

Accepted Answer

Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2):
The temperature of the instrument has been calibrated at the factory. If there is a deviation between the actual temperature and the displayed temperature, there are two methods of temperature calibration:

Temperature calibration can be checked by using a thermometer.

Consult the User Manual for temperature calibration using a thermometer.

Temperature calibration can be checked by using an external sensor

NOTE: The external sensor is an optional piece that is ordered separately.
Consult the User Manual for temperature calibration using the external sensor.

Small format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR):
The temperature of the instrument has been calibrated at the factory. If there is a deviation between the actual temperature and the displayed temperature, please follow the calibration steps in the User Manual.

Question 16

How do I properly dispose of Hygiena ATP test devices, including UltraSnap and SuperSnap?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena ATP test devices are made of 100% recyclable, non-toxic plastic and may be discarded with plastic recyclables according to your local regulations. (Recycling Code 7: Other).

Question 17

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena^® products are available worldwide. We have a direct sales staff in the USA, UK and parts of Europe, and Asia. Hygiena also has a network of dedicated distributors and agents across the globe, covering over 80 countries. To order any Hygiena products, contact your regional Hygiena office or a qualified distributor in your region. Local to California: 1-805-388-8007US/Latin America: 1-888-HYGIENA (1-888-494-4362)Canada 1-833-Hygiena (1-833-494-4362)International: +44 (0) 1923 818821China: +86 21 513 21081Spain: +34 954 08 12 76

Question 18

How can I get a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Analysis for a particular product or lot?

Accepted Answer

To download a Certificate of Compliance for a product, or a Certificate of Analysis, search our document library. If you cannot find your specific document, contact our technical support team.

Question 19

How do I contact Hygiena to purchase an ATP solution (monitoring or testing product)?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena® products are available worldwide. We have a direct sales staff in the USA, UK and parts of Europe, and Asia. Hygiena also has a network of dedicated distributors and agents across the globe, covering over 80 countries.

Question 20

How do I contact Hygiena to purchase an ATP solution?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena™ products are available worldwide. We have a direct sales staff in the USA, UK and parts of Europe, and Asia. Go to the contact form on any product page or go to the contact page here, or call us at the phone number at the top right of this web page. Hygiena™ also has a network of dedicated distributors and agents across the globe, covering over 80 countries. Hygiena’s sales team and distributors have specific skills and experience in providing products in the food processing market, particularly ATP bioluminescence and its applications. To find a distributor in a particular part of the world, click here.

Question 21

How do I program different temperatures on the incubator?

Accepted Answer

Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2):
The Lab Format Incubator has two separate heating blocks that are controlled by two separate sets of controls. Each heating block and respective controls are labeled accordingly.

Control A will control Heating Block A
Control B will control Heating Block B

Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR):

Press the “Prog.” key to select various programs, from P1 to P9. For example, select P8, then press the [ key to move the cursor, press the p or qkeys to set a new value.
Users can set two temperatures and times for each program. The single ■ symbol is the first temperature and time, the double ■ ■ symbol is the second temperature and time.
Press the [ key to navigate all the way to the right end of the display screen to toggle between first and second temperature and time.
In eight seconds, the cursor will disappear, exiting the setting interface.

Question 22

How do I use ATP testing, protein testing, and specific allergen testing together in my environmental allergen control program?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating high-sensitivity ATP testing, high-sensitivity protein testing, and specific surface allergen tests into your environmental monitoring program is a proactive and holistic way to prevent allergen contamination and validate and verify cleaning procedures. Learn more about our allergen detection solutions.

Question 23

How do I know when the Incubator reaches the desired temperature?

Accepted Answer

Both the Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR) and the Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2) have digital screens that display both temperature and time. Once the incubator(s) reach the desired temperature, the temperature value on the digital display should match the temperature set. If Incubator temperature calibaration is needed, follow the steps in the respective operation manual to calibrate the incubator temperature.
The Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR) also has a buzzer that will go off once the second programmed time has ended. The digital display screen will also read “PROGRAM END”.

Question 24

How does SureTrend integrate with my existing HACCP plan?

Accepted Answer

SureTrend seamlessly integrates with your HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plan by automating the monitoring of critical control points, documenting corrective actions and generating comprehensive reports. This integration not only simplifies the management of your HACCP plan but also enhances its effectiveness by providing real-time data and insights, ensuring continuous improvement in food safety practices.

Question 25

How do I know which incubator I have?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena® incubators can be distinguished by size, the number of heating blocks, and the model number listed on the rear of the incubator.

The Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2)

Is larger, and has the capacity for two heating blocks labeled A and B.
Incubator 007 – clear background

The Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR)

Is much smaller and only has the capacity for 1 heating block
Incubator 002 – clear background

Question 26

What are Hygiena ATP swabs pre-moistened with? Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena's ATP test swabs are pre-moistened with a mild extraction solution that aids in sample collection and ATP extraction. The solution is non-toxic and is not a growth medium, so it is completely safe. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet for the product for further information.

Question 27

How often should critical and regular test sites be swabbed?

Accepted Answer

Critical (high-risk) test sites should be swabbed on a daily basis, after each cleaning or after terminal cleaning. If a failure is measured, immediate corrective action should be taken with re-cleaning and re-testing until a passing result can be measured. Regular (lower-risk) control points may not need to be tested as frequently.

Question 28

How fast does CrossCheck deliver results?

Accepted Answer

CrossCheck delivers results in 2-5 minutes. You may choose to do a 2 minute quick test or a 5 minute enhanced sensitivity test. The enhanced sensitivity method requires incubation at 37°C.

Question 29

What is the limit of detection of Hygiena ATP tests?

Accepted Answer

The limit of detection depends on the test device and luminometer used:

UltraSnap® & SystemSURE® Plus : 1 femtomole of ATP
SuperSnap® & SystemSURE® Plus : <0.20 femtomoles of ATP
SuperSnap® & EnSURE® : <0.10 femtomoles of ATP
UltraSnap® & EnSURE® Touch: < 1.0 femtomoles of ATP

Question 30

What is the hourly throughput for ZymoSnap ALP tests?

Accepted Answer

Because the read time in the EnSURE® Touch luminometer is only 10-15 seconds, ZymoSnap ALP test devices have a higher hourly throughput than other alkaline phosphatase tests on the market. Accounting for time to move the test device in and out of the machine and navigate the menu to initiate tests, more than 30 ZymoSnap ALP test devices can be measured in one hour using only one EnSURE Touch luminometer.

Question 31

What are the size of the holes on the heating blocks?

Accepted Answer

Incbubator
Heating Block Catalog Number
Hole Diameter
Volumetric Capacity

INCUBATOR2 (Lab Format)
IB001
9.1 mm
1.5 mL

INCUBATOR2 (Lab Format)
IB002
17 mm
10 mL

INCUBATOR (Small Format)
IB003
9.1 mm
1.5 mL

INCUBATOR (Small Format)
IB004
4.2 mm

Question 32

What is the difference between CrossCheck and other rapid tests for Acid Phosphatase?

Accepted Answer

CrossCheck uses a unique liquid-stable reagent that eliminates the need to reconstitute a lyophilized pellet, giving more accurate results with less variation.  CrossCheck devices are designed for superior efficiency, using less materials in the swab design for maximum sample recovery and consistent results.

Question 33

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning is the removal of organic matter and the reduction of risk from material which is a potential contaminant, or material which could support the survival and growth of microbes.
Disinfection  is the reduction of microbiological hazards to a minimal level but not necessarily complete inactivation of all microbiological hazards.
Sterilization is the complete destruction and inactivation of all microbial hazard.

Question 34

How sensitive is ZymoSnap ALP?

Accepted Answer

ZymoSnap ALP detects down less than 100 mU/L alkaline phosphatase. The regulatory maximum for pasteurized milk is 350 mU/L so ZymoSnap ALP is more than suitable for pasteurization verification.

Question 35

What is the proper swabbing technique?

Accepted Answer

You should swab an area that is about 4 by 4 square inches (10 x 10 cm) or in the case of a hard-to-clean area, as much of the surface as possible, being consistent in the area covered. Do not let the swab come into contact with anything other than the test area to avoid contamination. Apply pressure to the swab to pick up surface residue and penetrate any biofilm that may be present. After collecting the sample, place the swab back into the swab collection tube. Once the device has been activated, it should be read as soon as possible.

Question 36

What is your Return Policy?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena does not typically accept returns due to the perishable nature of our products. Exceptions will be made in cases of Hygiena error. Approved returns may be subject to a maximum 25% restocking fee and do not include shipping costs. Please contact Customer Service if you believe an exception is warranted.

Question 37

When should I do ATP testing?

Accepted Answer

ATP testing should ideally be done after cleaning, but before sanitization. Because sanitizers are less effective when product residues are on the surface, it’s best to eliminate all ATP before the sanitization step. In some facilities, testing after cleaning is not possible. In these scenarios, testing after sanitization is acceptable. Most sanitizers will not affect Hygiena’s ATP test devices, and if the proper concentration and dwell time are followed, there should be no interference from sanitizers.

Question 38

How many food and beverage companies are doing ATP monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all food and beverage companies that process food with any water activity or can sustain organisms perform ATP testing. Companies with highly processed materials like oil or companies dealing with products with no water activity like dry grains, sometimes will not do ATP testing.
ATP testing is used worldwide and is a recognized tool by auditors for validating cleaning processes; it also complies with government and HACCP regulations.

Question 39

How many ATP tests do I need to take to accurately monitor cleanliness in my hospital?

Accepted Answer

One misconception of ATP monitoring systems is that pre-cleaning and post-cleaning measurements need to be taken to measure cleaning effectiveness. ATP swabs should never be used on surfaces that are known to be soiled or dirty, as they will always result in a Fail test result. Sanitation companies and chemical suppliers will often use pre-clean and post-clean ATP tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of cleaning products, but this demonstration should not be confused with regular use in an ATP monitoring program. ATP monitoring should only be done after cleaning and not before and after cleaning. This is a key advantage of ATP monitoring over fluorescent marking systems that require multiple room visits as described above. Hospitals also do not need to monitor every single location available, but only a statistically representative sample in order to gather sufficient data for reporting and results in interpretation. To estimate testing frequency for your hospital, and to calculate the ROI on cleaning performance, use the Testing Frequency. and  ROI Calculator found here.

Question 40

How many ATP tests do I need to take to accurately monitor cleanliness in my facility?

Accepted Answer

One misconception of ATP monitoring systems is that pre-cleaning and post-cleaning measurements need to be taken to measure cleaning effectiveness. ATP swabs should never be used on surfaces that are known to be soiled or dirty, as they will always result in a Fail test result. Sanitation companies and chemical suppliers will often use pre-clean and post-clean ATP tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of cleaning products, but this demonstration should not be confused with regular use in an ATP monitoring program. ATP monitoring should only be done after cleaning and not before and after cleaning. This is a key advantage of ATP monitoring over fluorescent marking systems that require multiple location visits as described above. Facilities also do not need to monitor every single location available, but only a statistically representative sample.

Question 41

How long can a test that has been sampled, but not activated by breaking the Snap Valve, be held before testing in the instrument?

Accepted Answer

Longer times between sample swabbing and luminometer testing resulted in significant reductions in RLUs, and raise the risk of false-negative results. We recommend the activation of test devices be conducted as soon as possible and no longer than 30 minutes after sample collection.

Question 42

How many healthcare facilities are using ATP monitoring technology?

Accepted Answer

A majority of US hospitals are measuring cleanliness with ATP monitoring systems. ATP systems are also prevalent in the UK and parts of Europe. The proportion of hospitals using ATP monitoring is growing and is expected to continue rising as hospitals continue to battle growing healthcare associated infection (HAI) rates and increasing demand for cleaner facilities.

Question 43

How easy is it to get started with SureTrend and how much training does it require?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other food safety analytics, SureTrend offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for users at all skill levels. It also offers comprehensive support starting from implementation to continuous operation. Plus, with regular updates and a dedicated customer service team, we ensure that SureTrend evolves with your needs and industry demands.

Question 44

Does the system need to be calibrated?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena® ATP systems self-calibrate at start-up to ensure accurate readings. To further verify calibration, we offer a calibration control kit. Though the kit is not necessary for the system's performance, a documented calibration process shows due diligence to auditors. With advanced technology, Hygiena systems will stay in calibration for the life of the device. If you require a manufacturer’s calibration as part of your quality program, you can request a quote for calibration here.

Question 45

Is SureTrend secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SureTrend is hosted on Microsoft Azure with enterprise-grade data encryption, multi-site access control, and audit trail functionality. Your food safety data is private, protected and compliant.

Question 46

Is SureTrend suitable for risk management in food processing plants?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. SureTrend is intricately designed to bolster risk management strategies within food processing plants. It empowers QA managers to rapidly identify early signs of risk through real-time monitoring and alert features. Furthermore, SureTrend facilitates the creation and tracking of corrective actions, enabling a responsive approach to managing risks.

Question 47

Is there a setup fee or long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no setup fees or long-term commitments. All plans are billed monthly or annually, depending on your selection.

Question 48

Are there any studies or whitepapers on ATP testing?

Accepted Answer

Many manufacturers offer seemingly scientific research supporting their own ATP systems. All are based on proprietary formulations that differ markedly in performance. Their systems are also dependent on instrumentation and electronics. Therefore, RLU values are not a standard of measurement across suppliers. This means that customers need to understand that only objective studies conducted by independent laboratories should be accepted as scientific evidence of product performance. We suggest customers refer to our AOAC certification which also includes peer-review data. Silliker Laboratories, the leading international food testing and safety laboratory, conducted an independent study comparing five commercial ATP systems, including ours. This third-party study found that Hygiena ATP testing and monitoring products offer superior linearity, sensitivity, repeatability, and accuracy. Request a copy here!

Question 49

Are there maintenance costs I should be worried about?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other systems on the market, Hygiena’s EnSURE® Touch and SystemSURE® Plus do not require expensive yearly maintenance or service contracts. Monitoring systems come with a 1-year warranty. Should your system become damaged or non-operational, Hygiena® will promptly replace your device with a loaner so that you do not experience any interruption in your testing program.

Question 50

Does the temperature shut off automatically once the timer ends?

Accepted Answer

Small Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR):

Once the first program is completed and the time reaches 00:00, the incubator will automatically begin running the second program.
Once the second program is completed and the time reaches 00:00, the second temperature will be maintained.

Lab Format Incubator (Model Number: INCUBATOR2):

No, the temperature will remain at the set temperature and the display with read “OVER”, indicating that the timer has ended.

Question 51

Will the Lab Format Incubator maintain temperature if there is not a specific time-frame set?

Accepted Answer

If you set the timers to 00:00 and press start, the temperature you set will hold as long as the incubator is on. If the timer is set to any length of time the temperature will reach its set point and then the timer will count down. As soon as the time set is reached the temperature will then come back down to room temperature.

Question 52

Do I need a credit card to start the 30-day free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A credit card is required to activate your free trial. You won’t be charged until your trial ends, and you can cancel at any time before that.

Question 53

Why do EnSURE Touch and SystemSURE Plus come pre-programmed with Pass/Fail limits of 10 and 30?

Accepted Answer

The pre-programmed limits for food and beverage facilities are based on years of data, experience, and third part studies. Hygiena® recommends that users validate these recommendations and adjust them to meet each facility’s unique needs. To see the data or learn more, check our documents library for the product instructions and technical documents.

Question 54

Why is cloud better than on-premise data storage?

Accepted Answer

SureTrend's cloud-based data storage offers several advantages over on-premise solutions, including enhanced security, flexibility and maintenance. Cloud storage ensures that your data is always encrypted, both in transit and at rest, and includes automatic secure backups. It provides seamless access for authorized users from any location, facilitating robust data management and collaboration. Additionally, cloud services benefit from continuous automatic updates and active customer support, ensuring your system is always up-to-date with the latest security features. Unlike on-premise storage, which often lacks comprehensive security features and requires significant manual upkeep, cloud storage with SureTrend offers a more reliable, efficient and secure solution for managing your data.

Question 55

Why is ATP testing a better way to verify cleanliness?

Accepted Answer

Visual inspection is no longer a sufficient measure of cleanliness in healthcare facilities. In order to measure the cleanliness of surfaces and medical tools after cleaning, healthcare professionals around the globe are turning to ATP testing. The old way of cleaning verification required a supervisor to visit a room after a patient had been discharged to mark surfaces with a fluorescent gel pen. Then, after the environmental services staff completed cleaning, the supervisor had to return to the room to perform a visual inspection of the surfaces. This inspection was subjective, not measurable, required a supervisor to evaluate twice (wasting valuable time), and held up room turnover. With ATP testing, supervisors only need to visit a room once. Test swabs take only 10-15 seconds and can objectively quantify the cleanliness of a room. This allows rooms to be turned over faster, enables supervisors to get more work done, and holds cleaning staff accountable for proper cleaning with actual, quantifiable data.

Question 56

Why are Hygiena's products so much more cost effective?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena™ strives to create easier-to-use, more cost-effective products for its clients. By partnering with leading manufacturing companies and using state-of-the-art automated manufacturing processes in-house, Hygiena™ is able to create superior cost-effective products. A perfect example of this is our ATP bioluminescence product line. It incorporates Medical Packaging’s patented user-friendly and environmentally-friendly Snap-Valve™ technology, which allows us to create an easy-to-use sample test device that uses less plastic than our competition and has superior performance. Combining this with our unique liquid-stable reagents allows us to have a complete all-in-one sample testing device that has better performance and costs a lot less.

Question 57

Why are Hygiena's products so much more cost effective?

Accepted Answer

Hygiena® strives to create easier-to-use, more cost-effective products for its clients. By partnering with leading manufacturing companies and using state-of-the-art automated manufacturing processes in-house, Hygiena is able to create superior cost-effective products. A perfect example of this is our ATP bioluminescence product line. It incorporates patented and environmentally-friendly SnapValve technology, which allows us to create an easy-to-use sample test device that uses less plastic than our competition and has superior performance. Combining this with our unique liquid-stable reagents, this allows us to have a complete all-in-one sample testing device that has better performance and costs a lot less. See Superior ATP Performance.

Question 58

Why do I get a different RLU result when I re-measure the same test device again in the luminometer?

Accepted Answer

You will always get a different reading when trying to re-read the same test device more than once. The meter is reading the light given off by the reagent. This light peaks and then begins to decline. Always measure your test device in the time recommended in the product instructions. Any result you receive after the first reading may be misleading because that light will continue to decrease until, eventually, no light is emitted.

Question 59

Why do I get a different RLU result when I re-measure the same test device again in the luminometer?

Accepted Answer

You will always get a different reading when trying to re-read the same test device more than once. The meter is reading a light given off by the reagent. This light peaks and then begins to die off. Always measure your test device in the time recommended in the product instructions. Any result you receive after the first reading may be misleading because that light will continue to die out until eventually no light is emitted.

Question 60

Can SureTrend help my facility comply with FSMA requirements?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. SureTrend is equipped with features that directly support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations. From hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls to monitoring, corrective actions and verification activities, SureTrend facilitates the implementation of FSMA's proactive approach to food safety, ensuring you meet federal standards effectively. Contact our team of experts to learn more about how SureTrend can help you to stay in compliance.

Question 61

Can SureTrend support multiple facility monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, SureTrend excels in managing data across multiple facilities, enabling you to compare performance, identify trends and benchmark your operations against industry standards. This capability provides valuable insights into areas of improvement and best practices, enhancing your overall quality control strategy.

Question 62

Can an ATP system identify Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium difficile on a surface?

Accepted Answer

Not specifically. The only way to identify Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium difficile is with microbiological testing methods that can take several days for results. ATP systems only detect the presence of organic materials on a surface and cannot detect specific strains of bacteria. Properly cleaned surfaces absent of ATP will not have the organic material required to facilitate harborage and growth of bacteria.

Question 63

Can an ATP system identify Norovirus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or Clostridium difficile on a surface?

Accepted Answer

Not specifically. The only way to identify Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Clostridium difficile is with microbiological testing methods, which can take several days for results. ATP systems only detect the presence of organic materials on a surface and cannot detect specific strains of bacteria, yeast or mold. Properly cleaned surfaces absent of ATP will not have the organic material required to facilitate harborage and growth of bacteria.

Question 64

Can ATP test devices be stored at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our ATP test devices can be stored at room temperature (21-25 °C) for up to 4 weeks as long it is prior to the indicated expiration date on the label.

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