The South African Breweries Section : 12.

31
Page : 1 of 3

BREWING MANUAL Revision : Draft Rev

Date : Aug 2002
Vol. VIII – Microbiological Methods
Section 12: Techniques:
12.31 – ATP Rapid detection

1 INTRODUCTION
This is a rapid technique to access the effectiveness
of plant cleaning regimes by measuring the amount
of ATP in the rinse sample. This method can also
be used for water samples.
1. Remove dipstick from container and insert
into sample. Allow sufficient time for
adequate sample to be picked up.

2 HEALTH AND SAFETY

Section 3

3 REFERENCES
Preparation of sample container (MMM: 5.2.1)
Aseptic sampling (MMM: 10.1)

4 MEDIA AND REAGENTS

2. Immediately replace dipstick into container and
Biotrace Aquatrace Total ATP kit.
push through the foil that separates the dipstick
Litmus paper
from enzyme assay. Avoid contact with any other
Sterile sample bottle
surface.

5 APPARATUS
Complete sampling basket
Biotrace Unilite Exel instrument
Rubber disposable gloves

6 PROCEDURE
a) The instrument must be switched on first
to allow the background RLU to be
initialized.
b) A pH can be done on the sample using a
pH strip. The reagent used does contain a
buffer solution and can measure from 4
onwards. As, almost all enzyme catalysed
reactions are pH sensitive it is not advised
to measure a sample below 4.
 The South African Breweries Section : 12.31
Page : 2 of 3

BREWING MANUAL Revision : Draft Rev

Date : Aug 2002
Vol. VIII – Microbiological Methods
Section 12: Techniques:
12.31 – ATP Rapid detection

3. Gently shake, in order to mix sample and

enzyme assay. This will allow the
reaction to take place.

6. Press the green button marked with a tick ()

4. Insert into the sample slot in the luminometer.

The screen will read: Measuring. Please wait.

5. Close the slot. The reading will then appear. The unit of
measurement is RLU (Relative Light Units)
If instrument is set up correctly, using the
Instrument User Guide supplied with the
 The South African Breweries Section : 12.31
Page : 3 of 3

BREWING MANUAL Revision : Draft Rev

Date : Aug 2002
Vol. VIII – Microbiological Methods
Section 12: Techniques:
12.31 – ATP Rapid detection

instrument when purchased, it will automatically

print the result.
 The South African Breweries Section : 12.31
Page : 4 of 3

BREWING MANUAL Revision : Draft Rev

Date : Aug 2002
Vol. VIII – Microbiological Methods
Section 12: Techniques:
12.31 – ATP Rapid detection

7 PREACAUTIONS:

i. Swabs/Dipsticks are to be kept

refrigerated.
ii. Gloves are to be worn throughout the
measurement.
iii. Luminometer requires adequate
charging.
iv. All swabs/dipsticks are to be
removed once read.
v. Sterile water can be randomly
measured to verify luminometer.