This kit measures total, dissolved, and cellular ATP (tATP, dATP, cATP) to provide a direct, real-time view of microbial activity and stress in industrial water and process systems. Results empower operators to optimize biocide programs, verify control, and prevent fouling-related downtime and asset damage.
tATP only kit instructions
This kit measures total ATP (tATP) to provide a direct, real-time indicator of overall microbial load in industrial water and process systems. Results empower operators to optimize biocide programs, verify control, and reduce fouling-related downtime and asset risk.
Key terms
ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, energy molecule of living cells.
tATP (Total ATP): All ATP in the sample (living + dead cells).
dATP (Dissolved ATP): ATP released from dead or compromised cells.
cATP (Cellular ATP): ATP inside living cells, representing active biomass.
RLU: Relative Light Units (measurement from luminometer).
RLU ATP1: Calibration signal from UltraCheck 1.
BSI (Biomass Stress Index): Stress level of the microbial community.
Run this test with the Relay™ app
Relay™ is your tool to easily calculate, organize, and share results. Access is included with your purchase.
If you are new to Relay™, follow the guides to first create a site and sample location.
Connect to your luminometer, then select RUN TESTS to begin a new test.
As you work through these test kit instructions, you can initiate RLU readings directly within Relay™ by selecting READ on any input. Once all inputs are entered, your results will automatically calculate.
1.2 Rehydrate the Luminase enzyme
Gently mix the Buffer and Luminase enzyme.
Wait 5 minutes for solution to dissolve.
After rehydration, keep Luminase refrigerated or frozen; it stays effective for 2–4 weeks at 4°C (39°F) or 3–6 months when frozen between uses. Before testing, let it thaw and reach room temperature (takes about 1 hour). Do not apply direct heat to warm it faster. For more details, visit my.luminultra.com.
1.3 Calibration using UltraCheck 1 (RLU ATP1)
Hold the UltraCheck 1 bottle vertical and add 2 drops (100µL) of it to a 12x55mm test tube.
Pipet 100µL of Luminase into the tube.
Swirl the tube, place it in the luminometer, and take the RLU ATP1 reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
If RLU ATP1 ≤ 5,000 rehydrate a new bottle of Luminase.
Once UltraCheck 1 is opened, it must be used within 3 months. After 3 months, discard and use a new bottle.
2. Total ATP analysis (RLU tATP)
2.1 Extraction
Mix sample well.
Using a wide-mouth pipet tip, add 1mL of sample to a 1mL UltraLyse 3021 (extraction) tube.
Cap, mix and allow 1 minute for incubation.
2.2 Dilution
Pour the UltraLyse 3021 (extraction) tube contents into a new 8mL UltraLute/Resin (dilution) tube.
Transfer the mixture between the tubes at least 3 times. Cap, mix and allow beads to settle.
2.3 Assay
Add 100µL of the UltraLute/Resin (dilution) solution to a 12x55mm test tube.
Use a new pipet tip to add 100µL of Luminase.
Swirl the tube, place it in the luminometer, take the RLU tATP reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
3. Dissolved ATP analysis (RLU dATP)
3.1 Dilution
Gently mix the sample.
Using a wide-mouth pipet tip, add 1mL of sample to a 9mL LumiSolve tube.
Cap, mix, then allow 1 minute for incubation.
2.3 Assay
Add 100µL of the 9mL LumiSolve solution to a 12x55mm test tube.
Use a new pipet tip to add 100µL of Luminase.
Swirl the tube and take the RLU dATP reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
In Relay™, select SAVE TEST.
3. Analysis
Tip: Relay™ does the work For you
When all inputs are entered in Relay’sRun tests workflow, the results will calculate automatically. Select Save Test to catalog and share your results with your team.
When the computed dATP (ng/mL) > tATP (ng/mL), first confirm that the result is not due to inhibition by re-testing tATP using 0.1mL of sample rather than 1mL.
It is important to stress that in situations of dATP (pg/mL) = tATP (pg/mL), it does not mean that the entire microbiological population is dead. What it does mean is that in their current state, the microorganisms are severely compromised to the degree that their weakened cell membranes are lysed and their ATP is released even when exposed to a mild buffer such as LumiSolve. Occurrences of dATP (pg/mL) = tATP (pg/mL) should be taken as an indication of a highly-suppressed and thus successfully controlled microbiological population, provided that the magnitude of the tATP (pg/mL) result is low.
If dATP (pg/mL) > tATP (pg/mL) as discussed above, the BSI value will exceed 100%. If these values persist after re-testing, report BSI = 100%.
Data Interpretation Guidelines
Application
Good Control (pg cATP/mL)
Preventive Action Required (pg cATP/mL)
Corrective Action (pg cATP/mL)
Process Water Oxidizing Biocides
<10
10–100
>100
Process Water Non-Oxidizing Biocides or Non-Chemical Treatment
<100
100–1,000
>1,000
Papermaking Product Quality (Newsprint, Fine Papers)
<1,000
1,000–10,000
>10,000
Papermaking Odor Control (Paperboard, Recycle Water)
<10,000
10,000–100,000
>100,000
For BSI (when applicable), it can generally be interpreted that good control is achieved at levels of 75% or above. Preventive action should be taken at levels between 50% and 75%, and corrective action should be taken at levels below 50%.
These interpretation guidelines are designed for generic risk management guidance only. Users are encouraged to establish their own control ranges on which to base process decisions. LuminUltra and its affiliates do not accept any liability for any decision or assessment taken or made as a consequence of using this test kit.
Support
Troubleshooting
Issue
Recommendation
Readings are lower than expected values
Ensure reagents are not expired (expiry information can be found on reagent vials). Ensure reagents are being stored properly (storage information can be found on reagent vials)
Background readings are higher than expected
Check if your Luminometer needs to be cleaned. Quarterly cleaning (LCK kit) and annual linearity verification (LSK kit) is recommended. Cleaning and maintenance kits are available for purchase from LuminUltra.
