Tag: adenosine triphosphate

  • Successful Hygiene Intervention in the Workplace Can Reduce the Spread of Viruses.

    Successful Hygiene Intervention in the Workplace Can Reduce the Spread of Viruses.


    Is Your Cleaning Program Effective?

    Are You Conducting Bacteria Testing?

    The principal of the test is to highlight where there has been a failure of the cleaning and disinfection procedures designed to minimize the microbial impact on surfaces/patients.  Cleaning procedures may have been poorly carried out and any subsequent disinfection is likely to be ineffective. This in turn may allow the proliferation of microorganisms leading to infection risks.

    Our bacteria testing and cleaning validation services is known as ATP monitoring.

    We use the most advanced, remote, cleaning verification technology in the industry. We test and real-time measure residual organic matter that is on a surface, device, or piece of equipment. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is an enzyme that is present in all organic matter – living, or once living – including blood, saliva, and bacteria.

    We provide you with instant test results of the contamination level, which allows you to verify work performed, or take corrective action in regards to your cleaning program and procedures.

    We provide monitoring surface hygiene through ATP testing.

    What is hygiene testing/surface sampling?

    The hygienic status of a given surface can contribute directly to the risk of an adverse outcome in safety. Samples are collected by:

    Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) techniques that provide data in real time. Whilst a small proportion of the signal generated is from microbial ATP, the techniques are not microbiological.

    The principal of the test is to highlight where there has been a failure of the cleaning and disinfection procedures designed to minimize the microbial impact on surfaces/patients.

    Samples from surfaces are collected by swabs moistened with extractant that releases the ATP from any intact cells, usually from product residue. The released ATP drives the enzymatic conversion of luciferin to oxyluciferin.

    The reaction produces a photon of light for each molecule of ATP consumed. Therefore, the amount of light produced is proportional to the amount of ATP present. Results are expressed in Relative light units (RLU) and the bigger the number the more ATP was present in the sample resulting from elevated levels of product residue on the surface tested.

    This means that cleaning procedures may have been poorly carried out and any subsequent disinfection is likely to be ineffective. This in turn may allow the proliferation of microorganisms leading to infection risks for surface/patient.

    What are the benefits?

    • Positive release of building surfaces and areas, real-time data allows for re-clean and re-test.
    • Improved infection control procedures resulting in fewer nosocomial infections, especially important with the rise of MRSA.
    • Fits neatly into HACCP plan implementation as the non-microbiological techniques do not require laboratory analysis.

    A robust sanitation verification program is at the heart of any ATP building / surface safety program. Progressive, proactive facilities develop Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that formalize their cleaning and sanitation test process.

    Validation and verification of the facility’s SSOP can be accomplished through a robust hygiene monitoring program. To help with this, Pacific Decontamination Services offers ATP testing of surfaces and products to detect the amount of residue or organic matter, including bacteria, yeast and mold, left on a surface or in rinse water after cleaning.

    Read more on the Use of ATP Readings to Predict a Successful Hygiene Intervention in the Workplace to Reduce the Spread of Viruses

    Pacific Decontamination Services ATP testing system provides a near-instant measurement of organic material left on a surface. ATP test systems report a numeric value.

    Read more on our ATP testing services – Click Here

    Our testing prices

    Other actions you can take:

    In most situations, Pacific Decontamination Services can neutralize bacteria up 99.99999%. If our spray, fog or foam can touch it, we can neutralize it. 

    We neutralize the bacteria in your building by applying our eco-friendly, safe chemical everywhere within your property. Depending on the job, we apply our formula by wipe down, spray, mist, foam, or fog. We further kill all airborne spores and bacteria.The average time of our on-site service is approximately one hour per 1000 sq feet. An additional four hours is required to achieve maximum effectiveness. We ask that you stay out of the treated area for approximately 5 hours in total. Read more about how we work.

    Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.9999% of any allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.

    What do you do next?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

  • Vehicle Biohazard Remediation and Cleaning

    Vehicle Biohazard Remediation and Cleaning

    Vehicle Biohazard Situations – To Remediate or Not to Remediate?

    Unfortunately, automobiles are a common place for serious accidents, related trauma and may impact residents in Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.

    Having your vehicle properly cleaned and decontaminated is critical when contaminates, and other bodily fluids have been left behind after a vehicle crash

    The process of properly cleaning a vehicle can be as simple as high-temperature steam cleaning of the fabrics or, as complex as, disassembling the interior and replacing numerous vehicle components. Each job is unique and must be evaluated by a properly trained biohazard technician before the extent of damage can be determined. Auto insurance will typically cover the cost of cleaning as well as replacement of damaged components.

    It is important that you look for biohazard remediation and decontamination service that will provide onsite inspection, measurement of biohazards, and cost-effective service options to salvage, clean & decontaminate.

    Vehicle biohazard situations can vary widely, from simple to complex. Some cleanups involve vehicle break-ins, where a careless criminal was injured during the crime.  This may require the removal of needles, drugs, in addition to blood, other bodily fluids, and biohazards. In cases involving suicides or accidents with injuries, damage to the interior can be more widespread.

    Sometimes the cost of cleaning ends up being higher than the value of the vehicle. Look for a service that will work with the client to determine cost-effective salvage options.  You do not want to pay for services that ultimately not be effective.

    In addition to the detailed vehicle inspection, determine if the biohazard service will perform an ATP (adenosine triphosphate) test on affected surfaces to determine the contamination level. This procedure employs a hand-held device and swabs to test the presence of ATP enzymes that are present in all organic matter – living or once living – including blood, saliva, and bacteria. Test results of biohazard contamination levels are instant.

    Depending on the severity and location of the biohazards, you want a biohazard service that will make recommendations on remediation options.  These options may include:

    1. Onsite cleaning and HEPA vacuum of biohazardous material, safe removal and disposal of all biohazardous materials, and complete chemical decontamination of the vehicle that will neutralize up to 99.99999% of all biohazards.

    2. Onsite cleaning, HEPA vacuum of biohazardous materials, safe removal and disposal of all biohazardous materials, complete chemical decontamination of the vehicle that will neutralize up to 99.99999% of all biohazards, and recommendations on the removal of severely contaminated items that are not salvageable.

    Determine if your biohazard service will provide an optional, second ATP testing after cleaning and chemical decontamination is available when required.

    Also, ascertain if your biohazard service will provide you with a Certified Vehicle Remediation Report provided upon completion of the decontamination service.

    Pacific Decontamination Services provides all these services and more.

    Pacific Decontamination Services uses the world’s strongest, most effective and safe antimicrobial disinfectant, deodorization and chemical decontaminate. Our professional application will eliminate up to 99.99999% of any biohazard, allergen, germ, bacteria or fungus that it touches. AND as powerful as it is, it is also completely safe.

    What do you do next? How do you solve the challenge of biohazard remediation and cleaning?

    Call Pacific Decontamination Services at 778-269-0208 or email us!

    Serving All of Vancouver Island: Victoria, Cowichan, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, and Port Alberni.