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

Abstract

Summary: 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.

Keywords

• Adenosine triphosphate
• Radiology department
• Infection