ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, the energy-carrying molecule in living and dead cells, microorganisms and other organic matter—formed when adenine attaches to ribose (forming adenosine) joined to a three-phosphate group (triphosphate).

A handheld device enables a 15-second test to measure surface levels of ATP as a proxy for bio- and organic-residue such as skin cells; urine and body fluids; harvested foods and foodstuffs; bacteria, yeasts, and mold.

While cleaning was once—and often still is—mainly judged by appearances, ATP measurement helps redefine cleaning quality as success in removing invisible residues associated with microbial growth.

In general, cleaning that removes surface ATP lowers the potential for bacterial, and even viral, infection—for while viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 do not contain ATP, removing bio-residues through better cleaning removes viruses along with bacteria and other harmful matter.

ATP before and after levels—measured by a handheld meter—provide an objective way to assess, improve, and monitor the quality of cleaning for preventing infectious illness.