“Don’t Just Guess Clean – Know It!
Understanding the Best Method for Detecting Residual Organic Soiling in the CSSD:
ATP vs Protein Testing”
In accordance with requirements specified under AS5369:2023 and ISO15883-5
In a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), verifying that surgical instruments are free from residual contamination post-cleaning is non-negotiable. But not all testing methods are created equal.
Two commonly used methods are ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) Testing and Protein Residue Testing. Understanding the key differences is critical for ensuring both compliance and patient safety.
ATP Testing: A Broad Indicator with Limitations
ATP testing detects all forms of biological material – including bacteria, yeast, and organic residues.
But here’s the catch:
- ✅ Quick (results in seconds)
- ❌ Non-specific to protein
- ❌ Can miss denatured proteins post-washer-disinfector
- ❌ ATP may degrade during cleaning, giving a false sense of cleanliness
ATP testing is useful in general hygiene monitoring, but lacks the specificity needed for surgical instrument validation.
Protein Residue Testing: Specific, Sensitive, Trusted
Protein testing methods (e.g. Terragene PRO1 MICRO) are designed to detect even minute traces of protein – the key risk factor in surgical site infections.
- ✅ Highly specific to protein
- ✅ Detects both native and denatured proteins
- ✅ Meets ISO 15883 recommendations for cleaning verification
- ✅ Colourimetric results that are easy to interpret
- ✅ Ideal for validation of both manual and automated cleaning processes
Verdict: Protein Testing is the Superior Choice for CSSD
While ATP testing offers a fast hygiene snapshot, only protein residue tests offer the specificity, sensitivity, and compliance needed for instrument reprocessing validation.
Terragene PRO1 MICRO
distributed by Proline Medical, Terragene PRO1 MICRO delivers:
- High-sensitivity protein detection down to 1 µg
- Immediate visual results in under 10 seconds
- Compatibility with all surfaces – including hard-to-reach lumens
Contact US for an on site trial with a member of our team!
Want to know more?
We’re here to support your department with validated tools, training and ongoing education.
