While ATP meters have been validated as the preferred quantitative method of determining cleaning effectiveness, their use does have certain limitations. That said, achieving ATP measurement readings that fall in the “Effective Cleaning” category does not ensure that the facility is absolutely free of contamination or represents a completely healthy facility.

However, research has noted a reasonable correlation between ATP reduction and healthier indoor environments. Concurrent with ATP testing, the researchers tested surfaces for culturable bacteria using a different method – RODAC plates. The simultaneous testing demonstrated that a reduction in ATP was accompanied by a consistent reduction in bacteria. The researchers, therefore, were able to reasonably conclude that a reduction in ATP suggests both a cleaner and healthier surfaces.