To ensure consistent and accurate results during LifeCheckTM ATP testing, following proper best practices is essential. This guide outlines key steps before, during, and after testing to optimize performance and reliability.
Before Testing: Set Up for Success
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
- Clean and organize your workspace to minimize the risk of contamination.
- Avoid areas prone to dust or high traffic to maintain a sterile testing environment.
2. Inspect Your Equipment:
- Check luminometers, pipettors, and assay tubes for cleanliness and proper functionality.
- Perform maintenance on luminometers regularly to ensure reliable performance.
3. Review Testing Protocols:
- Familiarize yourself with the required test procedure based on your sample type:
- Planktonic Test Kit: For liquid samples.
- Sessile Test Kit: For viscous fluids.
- Sessile Test Kit: For solid samples or biofilms.
4. Confirm that all reagents and consumables are available and within their expiration dates
During Testing: Maintain Precision
1. Use Sterile Equipment:
- Always use new, sterile pipette tips and assay tubes for each test to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wear gloves and avoid touching tubes or reagents with bare hands to prevent ATP contamination from skin.
2. Handle Reagents with Care:
- Protect reagents from heat and light exposure to preserve their integrity.
- Never interchange reagent caps, as this can introduce cross-contamination.
3. Adhere to Timing Protocols:
- Follow the exact timing specified in the procedure for reagent mixing and sample analysis.
- Consistent timing is critical to ensure consistent and reproducible reactions.
4. Measure Immediately:
- After combining reagents and sample extracts, test without delay to prevent degradation or variability in results.
5. Control Environmental Factors:
- Keep assay tubes free from condensation or fingerprints to ensure accurate readings in the luminometer.
After Testing: Ensure Consistency and Cleanliness
1. Clean Equipment Thoroughly:
- Wash reusable equipment such as pipettors and assay holders with appropriate cleaning solutions.
- Clean the luminometer’s chamber regularly using a cleaning kit to remove residue and maintain accuracy.
2. Document and Analyze Results:
- Record RLU values, testing conditions, and any anomalies in the testing environment for quality assurance.
- Use data for trend analysis to monitor system performance over time.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly:
- Discard used reagents, assay tubes, and consumables according to your facility’s environmental and safety protocols.
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.