American Society of Brewing ChemistsIn the LabSampling PlanToolsATP Meter

​ATP Meter

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Tools Used in the Sampling Process

Specific tools are needed to analyze the samples taken during the sampling process. Select one of the tools below to learn more about it, including when and where it is used during the Sampling Process.



The ATP Meter ​
An ATP Meter is an essential piece of quality control equipment in a brewery setting to ensure proper sterilization of surfaces that may come into direct or indirect contact with the product. An ATP Meter tests for the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule found in and around the cells of growing microorganisms. The presence of ATP on a surface that should be free of microorganisms indicates that the cleaning protocol is insufficient and the surface needs to be cleaned further. The ATP meter itself is compact, can be battery-powered or rechargeable, and can be purchased commercially for under two thousand dollars.
The ATP Meter works by reacting sample material with an enzyme that produces light in the presence of ATP, resulting in a relatively light unit (RLU) reading if ATP is present. Some ATP meters can read RLUs from a swab containing material from the surface being tested, while others can read RLUs from a sample of brewery water or rinse water from recently-cleaned equipment. After a sample is inserted, the RLU reading is rapidly available seconds to minutes later, allowing for quick assessment of hygiene in a brewery setting. Equipment that may come into contact with the product should be assessed via ATP Meter in a typical sampling plan to ensure it is not contaminated. Equipment like this includes fermentation vessels, surfaces utilized during clarification, brite tanks, cans, kegs, and bottles.

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