- Hand hygiene is widely recognized as the fundamental and most important measure in preventing viral infection. ATP testing shows the effectiveness of hand hygiene immediately through a specific numeric value, and this feature creates a powerful impact on hand hygiene training participants.
- ATP testing is very useful, not only in helping prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses, but also in raising awareness among staff at food and beverage processing plants and healthcare workers of the importance of hygiene management, and of hygiene education in schools.
1. Hand hygiene procedure
Check hand cleanliness before and after the training using the Lucipac A3 Surface ATP swab.
- Swab the hands before washing: the purpose is to find out how dirty the hands are before washing.
- Have the participant wash their hands as usual: the purpose is to check whether the participant's hand hygiene routine is effective.
- Swab the hands after washing: to assess whether the participant washed their hands properly.
- Wash hands according to the instructions and test again: confirm that the RLU number is going down and that the participant recognizes the importance of proper hand washing.
* Proper hand washing instructions
* Proper hand washing instructions with images
2. How to test hand cleanliness with the Lucipac A3 Surface ATP swab
* Notes:
- Swab with enough force that the applicator bends while swabbing.
- Swab the same way at every sampling.
- Accurate measurement is not possible when alcohol-based hand sanitizer is still on the hands.
- After using alcohol-based sanitizer, dry the hands before swabbing.
* Standard RLU value
The standard value is 2,000 RLU or less. Note that the standard value may change depending on how well staff follow hygiene practices.