What is the A3 Hygiene Verification System?

The A3 Hygiene Verification System is a rapid cleanliness testing solution used to verify the effectiveness of cleaning in food manufacturing environments. It measures organic residue on surfaces using bioluminescence technology and is designed for food safety and audit compliance.

How is A3 different from standard ATP testing?

Unlike standard ATP tests, which detect only ATP, the A3 system detects ATP, ADP, and AMP. This means it can identify residues that traditional ATP tests often miss, particularly in cooked, heat treated, or processed foods.

Why does ATP sometimes give “pass” results when surfaces aren’t clean?

Many foods, such as cooked meat, baked goods, UHT products, and fermented foods, contain very little ATP after processing. Standard ATP tests may not detect residues from these products, even when contamination remains. A3 overcomes this limitation by detecting all three adenosine molecules.

What types of food sites use the A3 system?

The A3 system is widely used across food and beverage manufacturing, including:

• Meat and poultry processing – cooked and processed meats as well as broken down ATP post-cleaning in raw meat environments
• Ready-to-eat and cooked products – high-care, multi-ingredient/allergen, processed foods environments
• Dairy-based products– cheese, yogurts, pasteurised and fermented products
• Bakeries and confectionery – multi-ingredient, multi-allergen, fine, dry, potential air-borne cross-contamination
• Beverage production – yeast interference, multi-ingredient, spills/cross-contamination risks

Does A3 replace other on-site testing?

No. A3 is a verification tool used to identify areas of hygiene risk. Although it can support other tests by highlighting immediate issues, it should not be used as a replacement for allergen or microbiological testing.

Is the A3 system accepted by auditors?

Yes. The A3 system aligns with BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard Issue 9 expectations around cleaning verification and validation. It is increasingly recognised by auditors as a robust and defensible approach when supported by documented procedures and benchmarks.

How are A3 results reported?

Results are displayed in Relative Light Units (RLU), similar to ATP systems. However, A3 RLU values should not be directly compared to ATP benchmarks; sites establish A3 specific pass/fail limits based on validation data.

Is the A3 system easy to implement on site?

Yes. A3 testing is carried out in a similar way to traditional ATP testing using a handheld device and swabs. Training focuses on appropriate benchmark setting, trend analysis, and interpretation of higher sensitivity results.

Is the A3 system independently validated?

Yes. The A3 system has been evaluated under the AOAC® Performance Tested Methods℠ programme, confirming that it performs in line with the manufacturer’s specifications. Independent laboratory testing supports its reliability.

How are benchmarks set?

Although there are some generic food-industry guidelines, every site is different and the benchmarks need to be set specific to your site. This is completed through validation, correlation with other testing, and recleans to demonstrate the best possible clean achievable.

How can I access my data?

The free-of-charge Lumitester app is available for download on PC, Android, and iOS. The platform has comprehensive reporting functionality as well as full traceability.

What ongoing support is available from Klipspringer?

Klipspringer provides setup support, training, benchmarking guidance, audit readiness advice, and ongoing technical assistance to help sites embed A3 into their hygiene verification programme.

Does the A3 system require calibration?

Yes, we recommend having the unit calibrated annually and we complete this here in the Klipspringer lab. There is also a self-check function on the unit and platform to verify the system daily and highlight any potential issues.

Can I trial the system?

Yes, please get in touch with our team!