Utilizing an adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay as an indicator of instrument and environmental cleanliness in the radiology department: a pilot study

Abstract

Background

Controlling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remains one of the major challenges faced by healthcare systems worldwide. Effective management of HAIs has become a critical indicator for evaluating the quality of services provided by medical institutions.

Aim

This study aims to compare the outcomes of environmental and instrument cleaning audits using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay to prevent the spread of micro-organisms within medical environments.

Methods

The ATP monitoring system employs a cold light instrument integrated with bioluminescence enzyme detection technology. One hundred and ninety-one points were evaluated in 2020, 158 points in 2021, and 146 points in 2022.

Findings

From 2020 to 2022, the rate of environmental cleaning compliance (<200 relative light units (RLU)) in the radiology department increased from 82% to 92%, while the rate of excellent cleanliness (<100 RLU) improved significantly from 58% to 86% (P<0.001). Our findings indicate that medical instruments and high-touch clinical instrument surfaces (HTCIS) in areas frequently contacted by patients are the primary contributors to the spread of pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions

HTCIS should remain a focal point for improving environmental cleanliness and subsequent inspections in the radiology department. Enhancing the cleanliness of these surfaces is a vital strategy to prevent further nosocomial transmission.