1 – Prices are in U.S. dollars. Price information was collected by calling manufacturers and prices seen in competitive environment. The SystemSURE instrument generally cost between 35 to 75% less than other instruments. The complete system including disposable ATP tests cost between 30 to 50% less.
2 – Sensitivity was determined by an outside lab. ATP was pipette onto the test and read until the point in which the system no longer detected the ATP. A femtomole is 10-15 of a mole.
3 – Reproducibility, also referred to at the coefficient of variation was calculated using data from 10 replicates for each serial dilution of ATP pipetted onto the swab tips from 1 to 1000 femtomoles. The background light generated from the Charm tests could not be removed. If it could variation would be even greater.
4 – Assay Steps is defined as the number of actions necessary to get a final result. In all systems the steps are 1) collect sample 2) activate sample and 3) read sample. Each system activates the test device in a different way. It is important for users to understand each method, since some are easier than others and some require shaking to reconstitute a lyophilized pellet.
5 – Data Storage is almost the same on all machines. Data Storage is the amount of results that an instrument can hold before the data must be transferred to a PC and/or deleted.
6 – Sample Sites can be programmed into the machine. Most of the time these are actual locations the user is testing.
7 – Programmable Sample Plans are preprogrammed plans with set locations within that Sample Plan. For Example: Sample Plan could be called Monday and on Mondays location A,B & C are always tested.
8 – Rent/Lease programs are available from most companies. Quantity of ATP tests per year or per month will determine what program a customer fits into.
9 – Trade-Up program is a unique program offered by Hygiena. It allows a company using an old system of another manufacturer the ability to trade in that machine for a new SystemSURE. Some customers with broken machines from other manufacturers can qualify as well.
10 – Price of disposable ATP tests is a critical component when evaluating the cost of implementing an ATP hygiene monitoring system. This will be the reoccurring cost that will need to be budgeted for. In addition, companies generally expand their ATP program after implementation so more cost will need to be allocated to the program. Hygiena provides the most affordable tests by using patented designs and a unique liquid-staple reagent. For more information click here (go to snapshot info page).
11 – ‘Total Test Time’ is defined as the amount of time it takes to collect a sample, activate the device and the read the sample. Assay time for all devices was derived from each manufacturer’s instruction manual.
12 – Sample preservation looks at if the swab must puncture through foil seals during the activation process therefore allowing the possibility of losing sample. This also correlates with ATP Recovery from Swab.
13 – ATP Recovery from Swab is the amount of ATP that is actually read from the ATP test after collection. Sample recovery was determined by taking an exact amount of ATP and mixing it with the chemistry of each test without putting the ATP on the swab bud. Results were recorded. Then the same amount of ATP was added to the swab bud and activated according to normal operating procedures of the test. The difference between the two readings shows how well the sample was preserved.
14 – Chemistry or reagents used in each test is a critical part of the accuracy and sensitivity of the test. Tests come with two types of chemistry, traditional lyophilized chemistry and new liquid-stable chemistry. With lyophilized or freeze-dried chemistry there is a reconstitution step where a buffer (liquid) mixes with the lyophilized pellet to start the reaction. Lyophilized chemistries have more variability due to the process of lyophilizing and user activation. New liquid-stable chemistry is ready to use and upon activation starts working. There is no reconstitution step.

N/A – ‘Not Available’ was used in areas where the information required was not available or could not be found.

For questions regarding this data or if you would like evaluate the SystemSURE Plus on a 30-day evaluation, please contact a Hygiena Sales Representative by sending an e-mail to enquiries@hygiena.net.

All claims made in this document are based on studies and research conducted by Hygiena and 3rd party labs. Charm, novaLUM™ and FireFly™ are trademarks of Charm Science. 3M NG™ is a trademark of 3M. BioControl Lightning MVP is a trademark of BioControl Systems.