What is a Luminometer?

And how to use one
to detect and measure bioburden on hard surfaces.

A Luminometer measures Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy molecule found in all animal, plant, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Microbial contamination contains ATP. When ATP comes into contact with the liquid-stable luciferase/luciferin reagent in the Luminometer testing device, light is emitted in direct proportion to the amount of ATP present, equating to a microbial contamination measurement. Using specially treated swabs to take test samples from surfaces being tested, the system measures the amount of light generated and provides information on the level of contamination in seconds. The higher the reading, the more microbial contamination present.

Proper Use Protocol Summary

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS REFER TO THE VIDEO SUPPLIED WITH THE LUMINOMETER

Important: swabs are ALWAYS to be kept refrigerated prior to use. This is an important requirement to proper protocol.

  1. Select a surface to be tested such as a desk or tabletop. 

  2. Take a damp cloth [use water only, no cleaners or disinfectants] wipe the surface area to be tested simply to remove dust, etc. to enable a truer reading and doing so does not remove microbes.

  3. Take a swap (swab should have been refrigerated up until about a half hour before executing this step) from its individual tube (do not touch the swab’s tip just the handle); run the swab tip in a crisscross pattern thoroughly swabbing the test surface.

  4. Insert the swab back into the tube from which it was taken; break the tube’s liquid dispenser; shake well.

  5. Insert the “testing tube” itself into the Luminometer and calibrate.

  6. Record reading.

  7. Then, spray the antimicrobial product to be tested on the tabletop and let dry.

  8.  After the test area is fully dry, conduct the Luminometer test by using a NEW swab and swabbing in a crisscross pattern as before. Take reading. Record results.

  9.  Compare results to determine relative effectiveness of the antimicrobial product being tested. Use chart that came with Luminometer to interpolate results.