Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/639237
11 ISSA Clean Standard: Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning 5.3. ATP-RLU Limits: Three ATP Metering Systems 6. ATP Technology Limitations While ATP meters have been validated as the preferred quantitative method of measuring biologically derived soiling/cleanliness, their use does have certain limitations that are discussed below. For example, in defining a cleaning process as effective, the Clean Standard does not suggest that a surface is absolutely free of contamination or otherwise presents a completely "healthy" surface. 6.1. Non-Biological Soiling ATP monitoring is not appropriate for the determination of the presence or reduction of specific non- biological pollutants that may be recognized as health hazards such as lead, asbestos, and other such chemical contaminants. 6.2. Infectious Agents ATP meters are not capable of identifying specific pathogens or infectious agents, and cannot directly detect viruses. 6.3. Biologically Augmented Cleaning Products The use of ATP meters is incompatible with the use of biologically augmented cleaning products (BACP). BACP is a cleaning product that is augmented with non-pathogenic bacteria. These products provide a residual level of cleaning that is both safe and effective. The use of an ATP meter on a surface cleaned with a BACP will yield a high ATP/RLU reading indicating the surface is "dirty" when in fact it may be clean. ATP Metering System Post-Cleaning Effectiveness (ATP Luminescence Level, in RLU) Effective Cleaning Needs Improvement Ineffective Cleaning Charm Sciences (NOVALUM) 11899 or below 11900 to 32000 32001 or above 3M (Uni-Lite NG) 229 or below 230 to 420 421 or above Hygiena SystemSure Plus 35 or below 36 to 70 71 or above