14 replies to this topic

[Scampi]

Hello all. We are commissioning a new piece of equipment this year, and as such we are revamping our entire sanitation program.  I would like to add ATP swabs to the mix for a couple of reasons 1) assist us determining new sanitation frequencies 2) validate our sanitation procedures 3) training tool for new employees 4) make the plan a little more robust than just "visually clean" What are everyone's thoughts on one manufacturer v the others  and what about the litmus type paper strips? Anyone use those BTW I have used both 3M and hygienia; just looking for everyone else's opinions

[nicfarmer12]

Hi Scampi,

 

I use ATP at my facility as well and they are a great tool. It has allowed me to teach production employees the importance of a good scrub down versus just a wash down on a piece of equipment. I currently have hygienia swabs but have used another brand ( I think it was 3M) before. They are pretty much the same, honestly. 

 

I have not used the litmus type paper strips though- so no input there. 

[rhondak]

Hello Scampi,

 

I have worked with ATP readers at a couple of my previous jobs and they are very beneficial. As with 3M no complaints about their product. Personally I highly recommend them. With the litmus test strips however, I feel like there may be some room for error, only because if they aren't stored properly they can be affected a lot by humidity in the air and moisture, that may affect your final result as well as one must always be wary of expiration dates on them.

That's my two cents on the issue, I hope it helps.

[Spidey]

I've only used Hygiena and I think it's great.

 

I will say, I've ready several articles published by both 3M and Hygiena that compare and contrast their ATP meters.  The gist is, whoever payed for the research and published the article managed to produce data showing their product was better.  This inclines me to believe that both products are high quality and probably perform similarly.

[pHruit]

I will say, I've ready several articles published by both 3M and Hygiena that compare and contrast their ATP meters.  The gist is, whoever payed for the research and published the article managed to produce data showing their product was better.  This inclines me to believe that both products are high quality and probably perform similarly.

That's pretty much my conclusion too, having used both of them.

FWIW I do rather like our current Hygiena enSURE (sic) Touch. I have noticed that a lot of the staff seem to like it too, possibly because it's got a cool smartphone-like thing about it (rather than being a scary "science widget"). We're definitely getting through more ATP swabs since I trained up some of the production/cleaning team on it - definitely more than is actually necessary according to our procedures, but TBH I'm not going to criticise them for doing extra monitoring, particularly given that the swabs are paid for out of the production rather than technical budget

[Scampi]

Thanks everyone

[kingstudruler1]

i have used Charm as well.   It good a good option as well as those already mentioned.  

 

I would get charm, 3m and hygiena in a room and let them duke it out.  lol

 

they use to have different pricing  models - free meter is you contract to buy so many swabs, etc.   Make sure you consider meter + swab for pricing if the cost is a major consideration.    Also look at the included software and storage to ensure it will do what you desire.    

[Frenchygal12]

I just got the Hygiena EnSURE™Touch and what I like about it is you don't have to have a separate log for your records because you can register it to their sure trend cloud and it saves the data and you can also export it to excel for other purposes. You can also use it for allergen, coliform and some other micros too. 

[Scampi]

So I managed to fandangle a sweet deal with 3M  I'm sure it helped that I was wanting to roll this program out across the country and had met the sales person on more than one occasion

 

The deciding factor was the cost of the consumables and the direct 3M pricing couldn't be beat

 

Thanks for everyone's input  and HAPPY LONG WELL DESERVED WEEKEND to those in places that get Monday off

[TimG]

We get the 31's off here stateside. Who has next Monday off?

And we purchased 2 3M ATP readers here about 2 years ago, right before the EC decided to put our SQF goals on 'indefinite' hold. They've been sitting new in their boxes unopened, 5k or so tied up for nothing.

[Scampi]

Canada gets the 24th - Monday off  

 

For some strange reason (not complaining AT ALL)  we celebrate queen victoria??????  I guess that means when the current queen of the commenweath passes away, we'll get another day since off???????   Victoria Day has been around since 1845--huh, that's new useless trivia for me

 

 

That sucks Tim      it's funny what companies will and then won't use money for

 

our production area isn't cooled and it is flanked by 2 separate coolers, neither of which have any type of separation to keep the cold areas cold........it's not even june yet and big surprise, the ductwork in my FG cooler is dripping.......we just bought 13 new walkies but we can't afford a fan at least, never mind a high speed door..........sigh

[Frenchygal12]

So I managed to fandangle a sweet deal with 3M  I'm sure it helped that I was wanting to roll this program out across the country and had met the sales person on more than one occasion

 

The deciding factor was the cost of the consumables and the direct 3M pricing couldn't be beat

 

Thanks for everyone's input  and HAPPY LONG WELL DESERVED WEEKEND to those in places that get Monday off

Good for you Scampi on the sweet deal! You can say long well deserved weekend again, I took Thursday and Friday off as well. I think I got a pretty sweet deal myself  . Happy weekend everyone!

[kingstudruler1]

So I managed to fandangle a sweet deal with 3M  I'm sure it helped that I was wanting to roll this program out across the country and had met the sales person on more than one occasion

 

The deciding factor was the cost of the consumables and the direct 3M pricing couldn't be beat

 

Thanks for everyone's input  and HAPPY LONG WELL DESERVED WEEKEND to those in places that get Monday off

 

i believe they also have a great program on their MDS system for pathogen testing.  if you or others are looking to bring pathogen testing in house it is a great option.   a great way to expand or reduce cost of testing.   

[chris ciarcia]

Hi scampi, I have used Hygenia products for ATP swabbing. I do like the Ensure Touch very reliable and able to read multiple swabs as inserted without having to tell the meter what swab you are running. 

 

Chris 

[dougn7110]

We use the ensure touch too a great tool