Lumitester Smart

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy Test kit?

We sell through distributors. Please check here for the distributors of ATP Rapid Hygiene Monitoring products.

Is it possible for the measured value of the Lumitester to be "0"?

The tap water that wets the cotton balls also has ATP, ADP, and AMP, so the measured value never reaches "0". If the measured value becomes "0", there may be detergent, bleach, etc. that interfere with the measurement at the inspection site. It is also possible that there was a problem with the operation of the Lumitester.

ATP Test

What are Relative Light Units (RLU)? 

The principle of the ATP test is based on the firefly luciferase reaction, which can produce light using luciferin and ATP. The amount of light produced is proportional to the amount of ATP in a sample and can be quantified by measuring the light. The results are displayed in relative light units (RLU). RLU are not a standardized unit of measurement like inches or centimeters, and each manufacturer sets their own value for 1 RLU based on their reagent formulations and light detection systems. Therefore, a system that can indicate larger RLU values for a certain amount of ATP is not necessarily more sensitive. Benchmark RLU values are set to determine regular cleanliness in a facility. They are generally set from tens to thousands of RLU depending on sites.

How should I dispose of LuciPac?

No sterilization required. Dispose of according to local plastic disposal regulations. The main body is made of polypropylene, and glass and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are not used. (For details, see the Lucipac Instruction Manual PDF [Disposal Method])"

Is it possible for the measured value to be "0"?

The tap water that wets the cotton balls also has ATP, ADP, and AMP, so the measured value never reaches "0". If the measured value becomes "0", there may be detergent, bleach, etc. that interfere with the measurement at the inspection site. It is also possible that there was a problem with the operation of the Lumitester.

How do I set the standard value for ATP Test?

Standard (benchmark) values are RLU levels that are used to determine the pass-fail criteria for cleanliness levels controls for the test being conducted. Standard values are set using either specific site data or recommendations. Based on the data collected during sampling, Standard Values 1 and 2 are set to develop Action Levels (Figure 1) with tests below Value 1 being a “Pass” test, indicating that cleaning processes are being effective according to the validated methods, above Value 1 but below Value 2 serving as a “Caution” range, indicating that adherence to cleaning processes may be deteriorating and the cause should be investigated, and finally, levels above Value 2 indicate that cleaning has not been effective and recleaning is appropriate.
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The ATP Test (Kikkoman A3)

How should I dispose of LuciPac?

No sterilization required. Dispose of according to local plastic disposal regulations. The main body is made of polypropylene, and glass and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are not used. (For details, see the Lucipac Instruction Manual PDF [Disposal Method])"

Is it possible for the measured value to be "0"?

The tap water that wets the cotton balls also has ATP, ADP, and AMP, so the measured value never reaches "0". If the measured value becomes "0", there may be detergent, bleach, etc. that interfere with the measurement at the inspection site. It is also possible that there was a problem with the operation of the Lumitester.

Does the Lumitester Smart need to be adjusted to zero point before each measurement?

No need to adjust the zero point for each measurement. AUTO ZERO calibration function is built-in for Lumitester Smart.

If the calibration for Lumitester is required by ISO or other regulations please contact your supplier you have purchased from. 

What can be the reason for the extremely low RLU (e.g., 0 RLU) results compared to usual. What is affecting the results?

There are 3 possible reasons that affects the measurements.

1) The test point or test sample contain alcohol, detergent, bleach, or other inhibitors, it may result lower RLU than usual. 

In some cases, it may show 0 RLU value if high concentrated detergent left on the test surface.

2) LuciPac was measured immediately after it was taken out of the refrigerator, it may also lower the RLU value.

3) Shutter malfunction in the Lumitester Smart. When there is a shutter malfunction inside the chamber, there is a possibility that it will effect the measurements.  

Why is ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) a effective hygiene monitoring system at food / beverage factory and health care center?

In food / beverage factory and health care center, it is important to quickly check the sanitary conditions.

The ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) measures the amount of ATP+ADP+AMP contained in soil/ residues and bacteria.

The cleanliness is instantly displayed as a numerical value of the tested area, on-site. 

What is the uniquness of ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) compared to the other ATP test?

ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) uses the unique enzymatic reactions in the proprietary A3 chemistry of our LuciPac reagents to change ADP and AMP to ATP enabling

the measurement of the total amount of ATP + ADP + AMP, producing a significantly more highly sensitive measurement for the detection of residual soil which can be missed when measuring ATP only.

Does detergent, bleach, sanitizer, disinfectant effect the RLU results?

Yes, it may. Any detergent, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), alcohol or other disinfectant, or disinfectant left on the surface may affect the results.

Degree of effect will depend on the inhibitory substances. If the inhibitor is rinsed thoroughly, there will be no effect in most cases.

For alcohol, there will be no effect when they are fully evaporated.

For more information: https://biochemifa.kikkoman.com/e/kit/method/atp-test-20/

*ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) is recommended to be performed after cleaning and before disinfection.

Can RLU counts be converted/calculaterd into CFU?

RLU reults cannot be replaced by the number of bacteria. The ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) measures the

ATP+ADP+AMP derived from soil/ residue and bacteria at the same time.

Even if the bacteria is present, the amount of ATP+ADP+AMP each bacteria has differs depending on the type and condition of the bacteria.

It is impossible to determine how many bacteria it corresponds. It may show corelation only when pippeting microorganisms and perform measurement in dilution series.

Is there correlation between the RLU and CFU?

There are no correlation between RLU and CFU plate counts for the typical condition/ surface.

There are microorganisms and ATP+ADP+AMP derived from soil/ residue when swabbing environmental surfaces. 

For more information: https://biochemifa.kikkoman.com/e/kit/method/atp-test-03/

Is there any soil / residue that ATP Test (Kikkoman A3) cannot measure?

Kikkoman A3 detects the amount of ATP+ADP+AMP. Any soil/ residue that doesn't include ATP, ADP and AMP would not be measured. 

*Viruses, which are not technically living cells, usually do not contain ATP

Kikkoman Biochemifa is closely monitoring an outbreak of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ).

*Apart from viruses, microorganisms and other organic substances contain ATP. Consequently, it is effective for daily evaluation of cleaning

Why does ATP need to be measured?

How often should I calibrate my Lumitester?

We do not have a recommended calibration frequency for Lumitester. 

Calibration is important because of audits, and internal standard operating procedures. We will recommened to follow your company's procedure and recommendations. We  offer a Lumitester Calibration Kit for a self-inspection, that allows you to easily check the operation and sensitivity of the Lumitester. If manufacturer's calibration is required as a part of your quality program please contact us for further information. 

Are there repair and callibration services for Lumitester?

Repair and calibration services are available as follows:

(1) Repair : Lumitester Smart, PD-30, Lumitester Calibration Kit 

(2) Calibration: Lumitester Smart, PD-30, Lumitester Calibration kit

(3) COA : Lumitester Smart, Lumitester Calibration kit

Please contact your supplier for quotation.

What are the advantages of the ATP Test (Kikkoman A3)?

Since organic debris onsite contains remarkably large amount of ADP and AMP, the A3 Test can detect organic debris more effectively than conventional ATP tests. Accordingly, one can see that the primary consideration for selection of an ATP tests to manage the effectiveness of cleaning is the ability of the test to detect ADP and AMP as well as ATP rather than the precision of the test’s detection of pure ATP.
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