HomeSetting up an ATP programme
Implementation guide

Setting up an ATP programme

A step-by-step guide to implementing an effective ATP hygiene monitoring programme in your production environment.

From zero to a working programme in 6 steps

A well-designed ATP monitoring programme is the foundation of your food safety policy. Below you will find a practical guide based on the Charm Sciences methodology.

01

Identify critical test locations

Determine which surfaces and equipment pose the highest contamination risk. Focus on food-contact surfaces, hard-to-clean areas and locations after critical cleaning points.

Use a floor plan of your production area
Prioritise food-contact surfaces
Identify hard-to-clean areas
Plan 10–20 locations for an average facility
02

Set threshold values (PASS/FAIL)

Determine the RLU threshold values for PASS and FAIL based on your production environment and risk analysis. Conduct a validation study to determine realistic values.

Carry out baseline measurement on clean surfaces
Set PASS limit at 2–3× the baseline value
Set FAIL limit based on risk analysis
Document the rationale for your threshold values
03

Train your staff

Ensure all operators master the correct swab technique and understand how to interpret and document results.

Demonstrate the correct swab technique
Explain what PASS/FAIL means
Define corrective actions for FAIL
Certify operators after training
04

Create a test schedule

Determine how often each location is tested. Critical locations daily, less critical ones weekly. Use the Smart Plan feature in novaLINK 6 for randomised testing.

Daily pre-op inspection for critical points
Weekly testing for less critical locations
Use randomised testing to prevent bias
Adjust frequency based on historical data
05

Implement data management

Configure novaLINK 6 software for automatic data storage, reporting and trend analysis. Set up automatic alerts for FAIL results.

Configure WiFi connection on novaLUM II-X
Set up user roles (Admin, Supervisor, Operator)
Activate automatic email alerts for FAIL
Schedule weekly trend reports
06

Evaluate and improve continuously

Review trend data monthly and adjust your cleaning procedures based on the results. Use the data for continuous improvement.

Monthly review of trend charts
Identify locations with consistent FAIL results
Adjust cleaning agents or procedures
Document improvements for audits
Software platform

novaLINK 6 — The heart of your programme

novaLINK 6 is the central data management system that manages your ATP monitoring programme. It provides everything you need for a professional programme.

Central SQL server database
Dashboard with real-time charts
Smart Plan (randomised testing)
4 user levels
Manage multiple facilities
Excel export for reporting
Automatic WiFi synchronisation
Trend analysis per location
novaLINK 6 dashboard

Best practices & common mistakes

Best practices

  • ✓ Always test before production start (pre-op)
  • ✓ Use the same swab technique consistently
  • ✓ Document corrective actions for FAIL
  • ✓ Review trend data monthly
  • ✓ Calibrate the instrument daily
  • ✓ Store swabs correctly (room temperature or refrigerated)

✗ Common mistakes

  • ✗ Choosing too few test locations
  • ✗ Not validating threshold values
  • ✗ No corrective action for FAIL
  • ✗ Storing swabs at wrong temperature
  • ✗ Not training new operators
  • ✗ Not reviewing or analysing data

Need help setting up your programme?

Our experts will help you implement an effective ATP monitoring programme.

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