The Differential QuenchGone Organic Modified Test Kit differentiates ATP from larger microorganisms (e.g., fungi, algae, protozoa) versus smaller bacteria to provide a real-time indication of community makeup—not species IDs, but a size-based signal. Results help operators recognize when non-bacterial organisms are driving issues and tailor mitigation (e.g., treatment selection and dosing) beyond what total ATP alone can support.
Key terms
ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, energy molecule of living cells.
cATP (cellular ATP): ATP inside living cells, representing active biomass.
RLU: Relative Light Units, the measurement of luminescence.
ATP1 RLU: Calibration signal from UltraCheck 1.
cATP RLU: Sample result for cellular ATP.
Volume: Amount of sample filtered (20–50mL).
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 (ATP1 RLU)
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 ATP1 RLU reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
If ATP1 RLU ≤ 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. Cellular ATP analysis (cATP RLU)
2.1 Filtration
Mix sample well.
Using a new 5mL syringe, dispense 5mL of sample into a new 1mL Dispersant tube.
Mix the solution for 30 seconds.
Remove the plunger from a new 20mL syringe and attach a new QuenchGone Differential filter.
Pour the contents of the Dispersant tube into the syringe and filter into a plastic waste receptacle at a rate of 3-5mL per second.
Detach the filter.
Remove the plunger.
2.2 Washing and drying
Re-attach the filter to the 20mL syringe barrel.
Using a disposable bulb pipet, add 5mL of LumiClean to the syringe barrel.
Pass the LumiClean slowly through the filter into a waste container.
Remove the plunger from a 50mL syringe.
Detach the filter from the 20mL syringe.
Attach it to the 50mL syringe.
Hold the 50mL syringe over the waste receptacle and push the plunger through the barrel to dry the filter.
Replace the 50mL syringe after every 20 tests.
2.3 Extraction
Remove the plunger from the 20mL syringe.
Re-attach the filter to the 20mL syringe barrel.
Add 1 mL of UltraLyse 7 to the barrel using the 1mL pipettor.
Pass it slowly through the filter and collect in a new 9mL UltraLute (dilution) tube.
Cap and invert three times to mix.
2.4 Assay
Add 100µL of the UltraLute solution to a 12x55mm test tube.
Use a new pipet tip to add 100µL of Luminase to the test tube.
Swirl the tube, place it in the luminometer, and take the cATP RLU reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
In Relay™, select SAVE TEST.
3. Analysis
Calculations
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.
Sample volume (V) is normally 5mL. If you were unable to filter the entire quantity of the Dispersant tube, record the actual volume filtered.
Data Interpretation Guidelines
Once both the Bugcount Fluids and dQGOM cATP results are calculated, microbial control can be evaluated.
The dQGOM method helps you estimate the type of contamination present in your process. When the cATP concentration from larger cells is substantially higher compared to smaller cells, a specific type of microbicide may be more appropriate than a broad-spectrum product.
For example, a large portion of cATP measured in the dQGOM analysis in metalworking and fuel applications may indicate increased fungal growth and the need for a fungicide, while large quantities in potable water and cooling systems may indicate excess algae growth requiring specific algaecides.
Balanced Mix of Eurakyotes and Prokaryotes (bacteria)
Primarily Prokaryotic
cATP dQGOM cATP Bugcount Fluids
≥0.8
< 0.8, > 0.2
≤0.2
Our guidance thresholds are drawn from broad industry experience with microbial contamination in similar systems. We encourage you to build your own baseline by comparing ATP results with on-the-ground observations. This creates thresholds tailored to your operation—so your team can act with confidence in every decision.
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) and annual linearity verification (LSK) is recommended. Cleaning and maintenance kits are available for purchase from Luminultra.
