9 replies to this topic

[wwn]

Hello to all members!

 

Please can you help me about which method I should use to check the the cleanliness of the hand?

 

Currently, we use ATP method and use 1500 RLU as the limit according to the ATP meter manual but they did not explain if 1500 is the figure for cleaned hands / or hands when the operators are working. 

 

In addition to this when we performed the swab test, the hands (without glove) and with gloves of the operator when they are working is always higher than 1500 RLU but with the cleaned hand and gloves, the results are always lower than 1500. 

 

Could you please share with me which method you used? do you check for the microbes? and what is the limit? 

 

Thank you all so much 

 

 

 

[Evans X.]

Greetings,

 

The point of checking if the hands are clean is to verify that the personnel is washing them properly before they enter the production area, so as to start working with "zero" microbial load.

During production the possibility to have a > 1500 reading in the ATP method is to be expected and it is kind of pointless to check it there, with only exception if you are in a high risk / high care area with personnel presence in the production line (meaning it is not automated) were conditions should be as sterile as possible and you should get < 1500 readings even during production.

 

Regards!

[olenazh]

I swab employees' hands for E. Coli, limit less than 10. For over 11 years of my experience, I've had a positive result only once. Corr. action - re-training and re-swabbing

[IzahelCamps]

What kind of swabbing test did you use for verify the cleaning of the hands? the same that we use to verify cleaning in the equipment's or are different?

[olenazh]

I use the same swabs for hands and equipment: sanicult swabs. Or, you're asking what method the lab's using for E. Coli testing?

[IzahelCamps]

Just to validate cleaning of hands .. to be honest we never make this validation , we just make sure the employees washed theirs hands ..before of go to production..

[Charles.C]

Just to validate cleaning of hands .. to be honest we never make this validation , we just make sure the employees washed theirs hands ..before of go to production..

Hi Izahel,

 

It may relate to what the particular hands are "doing".

 

Are you processing RTE foods or what ?

 

Some implemented micro. limits for "food contact surfaces" here -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...ces/#entry60958

[IzahelCamps]

We produce tortillas (corn and flour ) most of the handling process is without gloves.

[Charles.C]

We produce tortillas (corn and flour ) most of the handling process is without gloves.

 

Hi Izahel,

 

Thks info.

 

RTE ? It matters a lot.

 

I have never used ATP methods  for assessing handwashing since micro seemed more "appropriate". (Some texts consider both attempts are often pointless due the likelihood of immediate recontamination).

 

The classic demonstration technique using, IIRC, UV light effectively demonstrate the basic micro. capability of handwashing. Alternatively, use of direct contact "swab" plates can also work.

 

There are 1-2 specific, quantitative, micro. threads here on "hands" which discuss micro in some detail but will require some searching. For

an example of specific micro limits -

https://www.ifsqn.co...ces/#entry71827

 

If yr product is RTE, Staph. aureus Coag+ likely comes into play with other pathogens also.

 

Any reason for not using gloves, eg w/wo disposable, other than cost ?

 

PS - googling offers a variety of hand hygiene monitoring procedures with ATP via "baselines", eg -

 

 hand hygiene - ATP.pdf   537.85KB   41 downloads

 hand hygiene (2) - monitoring.pdf   549.72KB   46 downloads

 

PPS - this one includes some useful caveats -

 

 hygiene assessment guide via ATP.pdf   1.62MB   36 downloads

[Tony-C]

Hi wwn,

 

I have found ATP swabbing to monitor hand hygiene of limited use because vigorous washing can release ATP from hands.

 

It may be useful when the loading is high prior to washing. 

 

ATP swabbing should be conducted in conjunction with micro (Staph/Entero/TVC) swabs/plates.

 

IMO extensive training and supervision are just as effective.

 

Kind regards,

Tony

Edited by Tony-C, 11 July 2022 - 04:00 AM.