Intra Clean Quick-Scan

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The Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit

Introduction The hygienic situation in animal houses is worldwide still a serious point of attention. Various tests, performed by independent government institutes, show that the microbiological conditions of drinking water is still not suitable. In West Europe 43% of the drinking water supplied to poultry was found to be unsuitable for use as drinking water. In Russia this number was 56% and even in Asia this was 62%. The primary reasons for the rejection of the samples were mainly bacteriological contamination. Most of the farm managers do not have any idea about the hygienic situation in their farms. They run standard procedures and use all kinds of chemicals, without having a clear view about the actual effect of these products. To support farmer managers, distributors, etc. to analyse their hygienic situation in a split second with accurate results, Intracare created the Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit. The Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit is an advanced analysis kit which enables the hygiene levels of housing, equipment and drinking water to be tested quickly. Results are available within seconds, allowing improvements to be made immediately. Supports good bio-security practices which benefit animal welfare and production. Using the kit gives producers confidence in the hygiene and bio-security level throughout the whole operation. The kit is portable, robust and very user-friendly. The Clean Trace device, which is included in the kit, was originally designed for use in the food industry, illustrating just how accurate the results are. Potential Market The Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit has the potential to greatly benefit producers of all sizes including poultry, pig and dairy farmers. By having the ability to easily test cleanliness and hygiene levels, producers can ensure good animal welfare, combined with improved production and economic advantages. Economic Advantages Since positive changes in bio-security can result in stronger, healthier animals, the need for expensive antibiotics may be reduced. Additionally, in cases where antibiotics are necessary, it can support them in being more effective. Importantly, the Quick-Scan Kit can also be used to test the effectiveness of cleaning products and equipment. This allows farmers to ensure that they are getting value for money from their cleaning methods. In some cases it may show an opportunity to alter the dilution rate of cleaners or disinfectants, increasing both effectiveness and efficiency. The Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit was designed principally to be used by distributers, to support them in giving clients good advice, based on quick and accurate results. We offer these tests to our clients when creating their bespoke bio-security packages; as part of our service, it is completely free of charge. As an independent company, we are able to select the products that we believe are the best fit for each specific purpose. However we do not expect producers to just take our word on it - we support our advice with clear and accurate results.

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By using the Clean Trace device, we have been able to give our clients fast and informed advice. Although the device alone is extremely useful, we saw the need for a complete kit, containing additional tests and equipment. The complete Intra Clean Quick-Scan Kit now contains the following materials: Gloves and safety goggles For protection, if necessary. Sterile plastic 100 ml sample beakers For collection of water samples for a drinking line. A glass 200 ml sample beaker For collection of water samples for a drinking line. pH-meter / digital thermometer combi For determination of the acidity level and the temperature of the drinking water. Remove the black cap and place the temperature- and pH electrode in a water sample. Note that temperatures of 30 C or higher are ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. Hydrogen peroxide indicator strips For detection of presence of hydrogen peroxide in the drinking water and a rough indication of the concentration. These strips can be used to control the level of Intra Hydrocare during treatment or to check whether there are still residues present after treatment, which would indicate more rinsing of the system is required. The Clean Trace Device This instrument quickly can give an indication of microbiological contamination of a water sample or surface within a few seconds. More details and instructions on this device can be found on the next pages. Surface swap sticks (Clean Trace device) Cotton swap sticks to collect a surface sample for measurement with the Clean Trace device. Water swap sticks (Clean Trace device) Plastic sticks to collect a water sample for measurement with the Clean Trace device. Cable and adapter (Clean Trace device) The cable and adapter have to be used to charge the Clean Trace device. Instructions card (Clean Trace device) Card giving instructions schematically on how to properly use the Clean Trace device. CD-rom (Clean Trace device) A CD-rom with instructions for use and a user manual for the Clean Trace device.

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The Clean Trace Device

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Introduction

The Clean Trace is a device which gives an indication of all living cells present in a sample. This includes the complete collection of bacteria, yeasts, fungi, but also plants or human / animal cells from bodily fluids are living cells. The device measures Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), a well known energyrich substance which is present in all living organisms. ATP is the main energy carrier to transport energy to cells for metabolic processes. Since it is present in all living organisms, it can function as an indicator for living cells. When measuring a cup of thee with the Clean Trace device, mainly plant cells would be measured. When measuring saliva, also human cells are detected. However, when using the device on a drinking water sample or a surface swap sample, the value measured would be an indication of the degree of microbiological contamination (bacteria, yeasts, fungi, etc) of that sample. For this reason, the Clean Trace is a useful tool to detect contaminated water and surfaces. In this case high values would be measured. Low values would on the other hand demonstrate efficacy of a cleaning/disinfecting treatment. Note that dead material also still contains ATP until it has degraded, reacted or has been removed fully. So dead material may also give higher counts, despite being not directly harmful anymore. However, note that dead material is a perfect breeding ground for microorganisms in which they can protect themselves, so therefore also dead material is undesired. The value measured is expressed in RLU (for example 426 RLU). This stands for Relative Light Units. The amount of ATP collected when taking a sample reacts with a chemical compound during measurement. This reaction produces light. The amount of light produced is measured (in RLU), which is directly linked to the amount of ATP present in the sample and is therefore an indication of the amount of living cells. This document gives an instruction how to properly use the Clean Trace and provides examples of results to be expected when using the device in practice. This data will help you to interpret your own data and formulate conclusions when using the device in animal houses.

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Instructions for use

The Clean Trace can be used for surfaces and for water samples. Both measurements can be performed with the same device, however, a different type of stick is used. Below the instructions can be found. 2.1 General instructions The sticks should be stored in a refrigerator. Before use, let the sticks heat up to room temperature. Start up the Clean-Trace device by pressing and holding the red button. Do not touch the transparent part of the stick, as presence grease or dirt on that part can influence the measurement. It is very important to exactly perform the same handlings every time in between different measurements in order to obtain results which can be compared! Surface testing

2.2

With a blue stick: Swab a 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) surface by going from left to right 5 times, while rotating the stick 360 degrees. Rotate the surface by 90 degrees and swab the same surface again as described above. Immediately press the stick into its corresponding column, far enough to fully immerse the cotton tip in the liquid. Immerse the cotton tip by shaking mildly for exactly 5 seconds. Immediately place the column in the Clean-Trace device and start the measurement by pressing the upper right green button. A value is presented in RLU (relative light units), which is an indication of microbiological contamination of the surface tested. 2.3 Water testing

With a red stick: Collect a water sample in a clean (preferably sterile) cup and immerse the stick in it for 3 seconds. Do not shake the stick afterwards and immediately press the stick into its corresponding column, far enough to fully immerse the plastic tip in the liquid. Immerse the tip by shaking mildly for exactly 5 seconds. Immediately place the column in the Clean-Trace device and start the measurement by pressing the upper right green button. A value is presented in RLU (relative light units), which is an indication of microbiological contamination of the surface tested. Page - 6 -

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3.1

Examples of results
Guidelines used in food industries

The Clean-Trace device is often used in food industries. In these areas the following values are used as guidelines for measuring:
Type of sample Drinking water, for human consumption Surface where food is prepared, after cleaning Surface where food is prepared, before cleaning RLU value 30 200 - 300 > 400

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Guidelines based on practical experience

The following guidelines were set up based on our own practical experience with the Clean-Trace device:
Type of sample Drinking water Good for human consumption Good water in animal housing Okay poor water quality Questionable water quality Problems occurring Surfaces Dirty surface, in sheds After cleaning with different products, in sheds 30 000+ 8000 - 9000+ < 70 0 - 300 300 - 500 500 - 1000 1000+ RLU value

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Example of results practical trial drinking water

In a poultry house in the UK, a practical trial was performed (26/27/28 March 2013). Initially, high RLU values were measured in the drinking water. Therefore it was advised to dose 100 ml Intra Hydrocare per 1000 l of drinking water.
Water samples House 1, end of the line House 2, end of the line House 3, end of the line House 4, end of the line House 5, end of the line Day 0 (RLU) 984 2464 2350 1639 836 Day 1 (RLU) 9 49 1305 852 788 Day 2 (RLU) 5 27 48 26 38 and 80

Day 0: Day 1: Day 2:

High RLU values were measured, Intra Hydrocare treatment was started after measuring. Enormous decrease of RLU values, mainly in the first houses (drinking lines were coupled for the different houses, house 1 was the start of the drinking line circuit). The water quality was restored and suitable again as drinking water in every animal house.

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Summary

The Clean Trace device can be used as a rough indication of microbiological contamination of water samples or surfaces. It measures presence of living cells and the results obtained are expressed in Relative Light Units (RLU). The RLU values presented below can be used as guidelines:
Type of sample Drinking water Good for human consumption Good water in animal housing Okay - poor water quality Questionable water quality Problems occurring Surfaces Dirty surface, in sheds After cleaning with different products, in sheds Surface where food is prepared, after cleaning 30 000+ 8000 - 9000+ 200 - 300 < 70 0 - 300 300 - 500 500 - 1000 1000+ RLU value

More information

If there are any questions regarding calibration, warranty, possible errors, etc of the Clean Trace device, please contact the local 3M Clean Trace dealer.

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