What’s inside:
ATP testing can be very simple to carry out but the science behind it is quite fascinating. This document provides an overview of the concepts associated with 2nd Generation ATP tests and what it means to you.
How it works
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier for all forms of life. The measurement of ATP concentration in a sample provides a direct assessment of biological concentration and health.
ATP is quantified by introducing luciferase, the naturally-occurring firefly enzyme, into a processed sample and then measuring the light produced as a result of the reaction using a luminometer. The amount of light produced is directly proportional to the amount of ATP present in the sample.
When the cell requires energy, ATP is broken down through hydrolysis. The high energy bond is broken and a phosphoryl group is removed. The energy released from this process is used to drive various cellular processes. ATP is constantly formed and broken down as it participates in biological reactions and it is central to the health and growth of all life. Without it, cells could not transfer energy from one location to another, making it impossible for organisms to grow and reproduce!