documentation

Quench-Gone21 Specialty (QG21S)

Complete kit instructions

This kit measures total and dissolved ATP (tATP, dATP) to deliver a direct, real-time view of microbial load and stress in specialty, high-solids fluids such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and slurries. Results help you verify preservation/biocide programs, prevent spoilage and defects, and protect product quality.

tATP only kit instructions

This kit measures total ATP (tATP) to provide a direct, real-time view of overall microbial load in specialty, high-solids fluids such as paints, coatings, adhesives, and slurries. Results help you verify preservation/biocide programs, detect contamination early, and protect product quality.

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.

Summarized instructions

If you are new to this test, please refer to the Full Method to follow the steps in detail.

  1. Log in to Relay™ and select RUN TESTS at the site you are working with.
  2. Rehydrate LuminaseXL  with contents of the Buffer vial. Mix, and wait 5 minutes.
  3. Calibration: Mix 2 drops of UltraCheck 1 and 100µL of LuminaseXL, and READ RLU ATP1.
  4. Pre-dilution: Add 1mL of sample to an UltraLute tube.
  5. Extraction: Mix 1mL of the UltraLute solution into an UltraLyse 3021 tube. Wait 1 minute.
  6. Dilution: Pour UltraLyse 3021 solution into a new UltraLute/Resin tube.
  7. tATP assay: Add 100µL of UltraLute/Resin solution and 100µL of LuminaseXL to a clean test tube. Swirl and READ RLU tATP.
  8. Dilution: Add 1mL of the UltraLute solution to a LumiSolve tube. Mix and wait 1 minute.
  9. dATP assay: Add 100µL of the LumiSolve solution and 100µL of LuminaseXL to a clean test tube. Swirl and READ RLU tATP.
  10. Save: In Relay™, select SAVE TEST.

Component list

Kit componentStorage
LuminaseXL enzyme & Buffer vials, 3mL20°C (68°F)
UltraCheck 1 dropper bottle, 5mL20°C (68°F)
UltraCheck 1 dropper bottle, 2.5mL20°C (68°F)
UltraLyse 3021 (extraction) tube, 1mL20°C (68°F)
UltraLute/Resin (dilution) tube, 8mL20°C (68°F)
LumiSolve (stabilizer) tube, 9mL20°C (68°F)
UltraLute (dilution) tube, 9mL20°C (68°F)
Dispersant tubes, 1mL20°C (68°F)
100µL–1,000µL wide-mouth pipet tips, 100 rack
1µL–200µL yellow pipet tips, 96 rack
12x55mm test tubes

1. Getting started

1.1 Log in to Relay™

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 LuminaseXL enzyme

  • Gently mix the Buffer and LuminaseXL 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 LuminaseXL 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 ≤ 50,000 rehydrate a new bottle of LuminaseXL.

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 Pre-dilution

  • Mix sample well.
  • Add 1mL of sample to a 9mL UltraLute (dilution) tube.

2.2 Extraction

  • Using a new pipet tip, add 1 mL of pre-diluted sample from the UltraLute (dilution) tube to a new 1mL UltraLyse 3021 (extraction) tube.
  • Cap and invert to mix, allow 1 min for extraction.

2.3 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.
  • Allow the beads to settle.

2.4 Assay

  • Add 100µL of the UltraLute/Resin (dilution) solution to a 12x55mm test tube.
  • Use a new pipet tip to add 100µL of LuminaseXL.
  • Swirl the tube, place it in the luminometer, and take the RLU tATP reading (select READ) within 10 seconds.
  • In Relay™, select SAVE TEST.

3. Dissolved ATP analysis (RLU dATP)

3.1 Dilution

  • Using a new pipet tip, add 1mL of pre-diluted sample from the UltraLute (dilution) tube to a new 9mL LumiSolve (stabilizer) tube.
  • Cap and invert to mix, allow 1 min for extraction.

3.2 Assay

  • Add 100µL of the 9mL LumiSolve solution to a 12x55mm test tube.
  • Use a new pipet tip to add 100µL of LuminaseXL.
  • Swirl the tube, place it in the luminometer, 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’s Run tests workflow, the results will calculate automatically. Select Save Test to catalog and share your results with your team.

Calculations

\mathrm{tATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
=
\frac{\mathrm{RLU}_{\mathrm{tATP}}}{\mathrm{RLU}_{\mathrm{ATP1}}}
\times
100{,}000\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
\mathrm{dATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
=
\frac{\mathrm{RLU}_{\mathrm{dATP}}}{\mathrm{RLU}_{\mathrm{ATP1}}}
\times
100{,}000\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
\mathrm{cATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
=
\mathrm{tATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
-
\mathrm{dATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})
\mathrm{BSI}\;(\%)
=
\frac{\mathrm{dATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})}
     {\mathrm{tATP}\;(\mathrm{pg\ ATP}/\mathrm{mL})}
\times
100\%

Data Interpretation Guidelines

ApplicationGood Control
(pg cATP/mL)
Preventive Action Required
(pg cATP/mL)
Corrective Action
(pg cATP/mL)
Product Quality Control (Paints, Coatings, Slurries)<100100–1,000>1,000

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

IssueRecommendation
Readings are lower than expected valuesEnsure 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 expectedCheck 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.

Additional Resources

myLuminultra:
https://my.luminultra.com

Contact support:
https://my.luminultra.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

Ordering Information

USA/CAN: +1 (506) 459 8777
UK/EU: +00 1 (506) 459 8777
Email: orders@luminultra.com