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How do I troubleshoot and maintain my luminometer?

  • Updated

A well-maintained luminometer is crucial for consistent and reliable ATP testing. This guide outlines troubleshooting steps for common luminometer issues and best practices for its maintenance.

Troubleshooting Common Luminometer Issues

Device Won’t Turn On:

Solution:

  • Check that the Luminometer is connected to a power source (the control pad)

Inconsistent Readings or High Background RLUs

Solution:

  • Clean the luminometer’s optical chamber using the Maintenance Kit (LMK)
  • Replace dirty or scratched assay tubes
  • Ground yourself to prevent static electricity interference (touch a faucet or use a different brand of gloves)

Abnormal Readings or Excessive Fluctuations

Solution:

  Bright Room Dark Room
Chamber Blank X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X
Assay Tube Blank X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X
Luminase Blank X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X, X

 

    • Chamber Blank (Brightly lit room): Test the chamber with no assay tube in a brightly lit room. Take ten readings consecutively. A result greater than 20 RLU is indicative of light leakage or circuitry problems.
    • Chamber Blank (Dark room): Test the chamber with no assay tube in a dark room. Take ten readings consecutively. A result greater than 20 RLU indicates that light leakage is not a problem and that it is a circuitry issue.
    • Assay Tube Blank (Bright Room): Insert an empty assay tube into the chamber and take a reading. If low blanks were seen in tests #1 and #2, a result greater than 20 RLU is indicative of light leakage due to the cuvette preventing a good chamber seal and allowing light leakage or static charge buildup on the cuvette.
    • Assay Tube (Dark Room):  If a high reading was revealed in test #3, repeat the previous test in a dark room. A result greater than 20 RLU indicates that light leakage is not a problem and that it is likely due to static charge buildup on the assay tube. Wipe the outside of the assay tube gently with a clean and damp cloth and repeat or repeat the blank test with a new assay tube.
    • Reagent Z Blank: Add 100 uL of Reagent Z to a clean assay tube and take ten consecutive readings. If low blanks were seen in tests #1 - #4 a result greater than 20 RLU is indicative of assay tube or Reagent Z contamination.  Repeat the test with a second assay tube to investigate assay tube contamination or a second Reagent Z batch to investigate Reagent Z contamination.

Best Practices for Luminometer Maintenance

Routine Cleaning:

The cleaning kit (LCK) is essential for removing residue or contaminants from the luminometer's counting chamber, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable operation.

    • Use the Cleaning Kit (LCK) every 3-4 months to remove residue and prevent contamination.
    • Clean spills immediately to avoid buildup.

Annual Standardization:

The Standardization Kit (LSK) verifies the linearity of your luminometer, ensuring accurate detection across a range of ATP concentrations. This is vital for maintaining the reliability and precision of your test results.

    • Perform a linearity check with the Standardization Kit (LSK) to ensure accurate detection across ATP concentrations.

Proper Storage

    • Store the luminometer in its field case to prevent accidental damage.
    • Keep the sample door closed when not in use to protect the chamber from contaminants.

Spill Handling

    • Remove the assay tube, invert the luminometer, and let it sit for one hour before cleaning. Proceed with the Cleaning Kit instructions.

Need Help or Want to Learn More?

Our team of experts is here to assist you with your microbiological monitoring needs. Whether you have questions, need technical support, or want to learn more about LifeCheckTM ATP testing, contact LuminUltra® Support to get started.

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