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Hygiene checks are essential to ensure safety and quality in industries such as food production, healthcare, catering, large kitchens, as well as education and childcare organizations. Various methods exist to assess cleanliness levels, each with specific characteristics, advantages, and applications. In this blog, we explain the differences between three commonly used techniques: ATP testing, dipslides, and RODAC plates. This insight helps you determine which method best fits your hygiene management approach to comply with HACCP principles, cleaning protocols, or hygiene and infection prevention guidelines set by public health authorities such as the GGD.
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, a molecule present in all living cells. ATP testing uses rapid swabs that detect ATP on surfaces. This involves a chemical reaction that produces light; the intensity of the light correlates with the amount of ATP and thus the degree of biological contamination.
The main advantage of ATP testing is that it delivers results within seconds and can be immediately applied for quick cleaning verification. It is effective in detecting dirt and organic material that may support microbial growth, thereby posing a risk for cross-contamination.
An important consideration is that ATP testing does not differentiate between microbial species and does not provide exact counts. It provides a snapshot of the overall contamination status and is especially suitable for daily, fast assessments.
ATP testing is well-suited for hygiene monitoring in workplaces, food preparation areas, and equipment, where immediate insight is needed to take corrective actions swiftly. To confirm microbiological cleanliness, additional hygiene monitoring using dipslides or RODAC plates is often required.
Dipslides are plastic strips coated on one or both sides with culture media for bacteria or fungi. To use, the strip is dipped into a liquid or pressed onto a surface, then incubated.
After incubation, microbial growth appears on the medium, indicating bacterial presence. Dipslides are simple, easy to use, affordable, and offer a practical indication of microbiological hygiene. Regular dipslide monitoring can track trends in microbial contamination.
The downside is that dipslides are generally less quantitative than RODAC plates. They do not provide exact colony-forming unit (CFU) counts per surface area and are mainly used for indicative monitoring where quick information is needed, but quantitative data is not essential.
Dipslides are suitable for practical applications where a simple microbiological indication suffices, such as in corporate canteens, childcare centers, swimming pools, dental practices, and also in agricultural settings like dairy farms or poultry houses.
RODAC stands for Replicate Organism Detection and Counting and refers to petri dishes with convex culture media. This method involves pressing the plate directly onto a surface to be tested for microbial contamination.
After incubation, the colony-forming units (CFU) can be accurately counted, providing quantitative and reproducible data on microbial load. This makes RODAC plates the gold standard for microbiological monitoring.
This method is often used in formal hygiene audits, quality controls within VSR guidelines, HACCP systems, and where certification is required. RODAC plates are ideal for hard, flat surfaces but less suitable for liquids or irregular surfaces.
Proper sampling, storage, and incubation times are essential to guarantee reliable results. Professional training in sample collection and result interpretation is a key success factor.
| Feature | ATP Testing | Dipslides | RODAC Plates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement type | Rapid, indicative, biochemical | Microbiological, indicative | Microbiological, quantitative |
| Result time | Seconds | 24-48 hours incubation | 24-48 hours incubation |
| Quantitative info | No | Limited | Yes, exact CFU per cm² |
| Surface type | Various, including irregular | Liquids, surfaces | Hard, flat surfaces |
| Certification and audits | Not suitable | Limited suitability | Highly suitable |
| Application | Daily quick checks | Trend monitoring, indicative control | Formal quality control, audits |
The choice of the appropriate method depends on the hygiene monitoring objectives, risk level, regulatory framework (e.g., VSR, HACCP), and available resources. ATP testing offers rapid insights for daily operational checks, dipslides provide practical indication without high costs, and RODAC plates deliver the most reliable data when strict standards and quantitative validation are required.
Accurate hygiene monitoring is key to operational reliability and confidence in the quality and cleanliness within your organization. Want to learn more about hygiene controls and the possibilities of RODAC plates, dipslides, and ATP testing? Request a free consultation with our specialists and take the next step towards sustainable cleaning quality and trustworthiness.
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In healthcare, food processing, and industrial environments, maintaining consistently clean and demonstrably sanitized rooms is essential to prevent contamination and infections. At a time when labor resources are increasingly scarce, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) room disinfection offers a significantly less labor-intensive, residue-free and sustainable alternative to traditional disinfection methods. Using advanced bio-indicators like the DES-controller, the effectiveness of room disinfection can be objectively and reliably verified.
Hydrogen peroxide room disinfection involves dispersing a fine, dry vapor of H2O2 throughout an enclosed space. This vapor reaches even hard-to-access areas, effectively killing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi in those difficult-to-reach spots. The vapor spreads evenly and dries quickly, preventing surfaces from becoming wet and avoiding damage to sensitive materials.
This technique reduces the microbial load in production and care spaces, preventing pathogens from posing risks to product safety and personnel health. Because no harmful residues remain, it is safe and effective for use in areas containing sensitive equipment or materials, such as food industry facilities, hospitals, and laboratories.
Performing room disinfection is only the first step; demonstrating its effectiveness is crucial. The DES-controller is a bio-indicator specifically designed to accurately measure the level of microbial reduction achieved during room disinfection. This device contains bacteria protected by a semi-permeable membrane that allows hydrogen peroxide vapor to pass through without exposing the user to the bacteria. Often, Geobacillus stearothermophilus is used as the indicator microorganism, providing reliable and reproducible results.
After disinfection, the DES-controller is analyzed in a laboratory to verify compliance with normative disinfection standards. This enables organizations to meet strict regulatory requirements and internal quality standards such as the Dutch SRI guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of care environments.
In practice, peroxide test strips or open contact plates are often used to check whether hydrogen peroxide vapor has reached critical areas. Test strips change colour upon contact with H2O2, providing a visual indication of the disinfectant’s presence.
While useful as a preliminary check for vapor presence, these methods do not measure actual disinfection effectiveness. Colour change does not indicate the extent of microbial reduction or whether the disinfection process sufficiently killed microorganisms, potentially giving a false sense of security.
Open contact plates can be cumbersome, carry risks of cross-contamination, and may lead to inaccurate results. The DES-controller overcomes these issues by enclosing the microorganisms within a semi-permeable membrane, allowing safe handling and accurate, contamination-free assessment of disinfection performance.
According to the SRI guidelines, hydrogen peroxide may be used for disinfecting spaces requiring full decontamination. The product must comply with recognized standards and approvals, and the disinfection process must ensure all surfaces are adequately exposed to the disinfectant for the required contact time.
This method is applicable only in unoccupied spaces. It requires careful preparation, such as opening enclosed cavities and temporarily sealing ventilation openings, to ensure optimal vapor distribution. Although initially more costly and labor-intensive than standard cleaning, this approach reduces human error and provides a controlled, dependable disinfection method.
In addition to hydrogen peroxide, we also recognize UVC light as a valuable alternative method for surface disinfection in critical environments such as healthcare settings. UVC disinfection uses ultraviolet light with a short wavelength to damage the DNA and RNA structures of microorganisms, preventing their reproduction and leading to their inactivation.
This method is particularly effective for rapid, chemical-free disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment, including hard-to-reach areas where traditional cleaning may fall short. Research has shown that UVC can significantly reduce pathogen levels and contribute to lowering hospital-acquired infection rates.
However, UVC has limitations: its disinfecting power diminishes greatly in shadowed or covered areas, and safety precautions are necessary due to risks of skin and eye damage. Therefore, UVC is often used as a complementary technology rather than a replacement for existing cleaning and disinfection protocols.
If you want to learn more about how the DES-controller can help you objectively validate hydrogen peroxide room disinfection performance, please contact us.
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A professional dishwasher does not operate like a domestic appliance. The layout, wash cycles, and particularly temperature and disinfection steps are designed to achieve controlled hygiene outcomes. According to standards such as HACCP and the Dutch SRI guidelines for cleaning in healthcare, disinfection must be measurably demonstrable. Relying solely on temperature registration or adherence to settings is often insufficient; the key question remains whether biological agents are effectively eliminated in every cycle.
Risks can arise from factors such as:
The role of control according to HACCP and legislations like SRI guidelines is clear: disinfection must be demonstrably effective to prevent contamination. In practice, trusting only temperature or time registration within the dishwasher often falls short. This calls for a reliable testing method that can independently confirm, regardless of the dishwasher or chemical supplier, that chemical or thermal disinfection is correctly executed.
The DES-controller is a bio-indicator specifically developed for the safe and objective assessment of disinfection and sterilization processes. Thanks to its unique membrane, which prevents microorganisms from being washed away, the DES-controller is highly suitable as a bio-indicator in professional dishwashers. The DES-controller contains resistant microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecium and/or Staphylococcus aureus, applied in various quantities on carriers, which are killed once the required time, temperature, and disinfectant concentration are reached.
Advantages of the DES-controller:
In addition to using bio-indicators, employing a temperature logger is an effective way to monitor the temperature profile of the dishwasher – and hence its thermal disinfection performance. Because the temperature logger continuously measures and logs the exact temperature throughout the entire dishwasher cycle, it provides precise information on whether the required disinfection temperatures were reached.
The use of a temperature logger is ideal for:
Besides effective disinfection, performance in soil removal is also critically important. When cleaning dishes, pans, and kitchen utensils, soil must be thoroughly removed before disinfection can take place. CCD offers possibilities to objectively measure soil removal using various standardized soiling types. This allows healthcare facilities – or suppliers of professional detergents or dishwashers – to gain objective insights into the actual cleaning performance of their detergents and machines, enabling targeted identification of potential improvements. More information about this method will soon be available on our website. Those interested in learning more or seeking initial advice are encouraged to contact us.
Professional dishwashers in healthcare facilities are crucial for removing biological agents and preventing infection risks. Relying solely on machine settings or log files is insufficient. Integrating the DES-controller and a temperature logger into routine maintenance and periodic quality control of dishwashers significantly strengthens food safety and patient safety. This adds an extra layer beyond standard recordings and prevents unnecessary risks caused by insufficient disinfection.
An objective and detailed view of the performance of the cleaning and disinfection process helps infection prevention specialists to ensure the reliability of the dishwasher procedure and make substantiated adjustments if necessary.
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Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that ranks among the most persistent challenges in the food industry. What makes this pathogen particularly concerning is its ability to survive and grow at low temperatures, such as those found in refrigerators between approximately 4 and 5 °C. This capability makes Listeria a serious threat to chilled, pre-packaged foods including fresh-cut vegetables, soft cheeses, fish products, and ready-to-eat meals. Due to the severe health risks – especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the elderly – regulatory authorities like the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and European agencies maintain a strong focus on controlling Listeria contamination.
For producers, this means increased pressure to prevent or quickly detect contamination within their production environments. Listeria can adhere to hard-to-clean machine parts and surfaces, making it difficult to remove by standard cleaning procedures. In addition to strict compliance with hygiene and sanitation protocols, regular in-house microbiological monitoring is crucial. This not only helps producers meet legal requirements but also directly contributes to minimizing risks, avoiding costly recalls, and protecting brand reputation.
Dipslides offer an effective and straightforward tool for frequent microbiological hygiene monitoring. Our specially developed Listeria-selective dipslides enable targeted testing for the presence of this bacterium on surfaces, equipment, or water. Without requiring complex lab equipment or specialized knowledge, employees can quickly gain indicative insights into potential contamination. This preventive monitoring serves as a valuable supplement to mandatory external audits and supports producers in proactively managing food safety within their operations.
Beyond indicative control using dipslides, there is growing demand for immediate and reliable confirmation of Listeria detections. A recent innovation from one of our partners addresses this need by enabling revolutionary real-time pathogen detection. Utilizing advanced LAMP technology, LoopiX delivers guaranteed reliable results within 90 minutes without requiring a pre-enrichment phase (a pre-enrichment phase is the stimulation of microorganisms to grow for detection and further research). This mobile and user-friendly device can be easily implemented in-house, allowing producers to respond quickly to possible contaminations and effectively safeguard food safety. In addition to detecting Listeria monocytogenes, LoopiX also enables rapid and reliable detection of Salmonella spp. using the same advanced technology.
By combining dipslides and LoopiX, your company gains a powerful set of testing tools. Dipslides are ideal for frequent, preventive hygiene checks, while LoopiX provides fast and trustworthy confirmation when needed. This approach ensures compliance with stringent legislation, minimizes food safety risks, and prepares your business to act swiftly and decisively in the event of Listeria contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes remains a current and complex challenge within the food industry. A proactive approach using appropriate monitoring tools like our selective dipslides and innovative detection solutions such as LoopiX strengthens food safety within your organization. This ensures reliable, fast, and user-friendly solutions that not only improve your internal quality control but also guarantee consumer safety.
Would you like to know which dipslides best suit your needs or receive more information about LoopiX? Explore our extensive product range or contact us for expert advice.
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In today’s cleaning industry, delivering visible results is no longer enough. Quality control has become crucial for sustainable facility hygiene. The VSR Quality Measurement System (in NL known as VSR-KMS) is an industry-leading tool used by professional cleaning companies to objectively measure cleaning performance and systematically verify outcomes. But what truly sets VSR cleaning audits apart? And how do they contribute to the ongoing improvement and professionalization of cleaning services?
Many facility managers and cleaning providers may not realize that the VSR-KMS was developed alongside TNO, the distinguished Dutch research institute. Interesting fact: one of CCD’s founders participated directly in this collaboration. This partnership ensured that the VSR measurement system is built on reliable, scientifically validated methods and standardized criteria, delivering results that are both representative and reproducible. The VSR system goes beyond subjective visual inspection, providing actionable data that can guide real improvements in cleaning operations.
True cleaning quality is more than our eyes can see or what feels clean. With VSR, cleaning audits assess multiple factors: from dust and dirt residues to microbiological contaminants. The standardized measurement methods help detect deviations that traditional checks could overlook. Cleaning service providers not only deliver visibly clean results but also demonstrate compliance with stringent hygiene standards, including local and industry-specific regulations.
VSR cleaning audits begin with a rigorous visual assessment of cleaning quality, objectively checking surfaces for dust, fingerprints, major contamination, and the correct placement of critical supplies like soap and towels. Using standardized inspection lists within the VSR-KMS, the audit provides an independent and uniform judgment about cleanliness levels.
Visual inspection is just the start. VSR checks also identify methodological errors, overlooked critical elements, and trends in cleaning quality over time. Advanced techniques such as ATP testing for microbiological contamination and UV light inspections for invisible residues offer a comprehensive audit approach. This combination of methods ensures both visible and invisible contaminants are systematically monitored.
Built on a scientifically supported framework, VSR cleaning audits provide a complete and reliable overview of cleaning quality, enabling facility managers and cleaning companies to safeguard and continuously improve their hygiene standards.
Quality control is more than an afterthought. It is an integral part of the cleaning process. With the VSR Daily Quality System (in NL known as VSR-DKS), supervisors have a powerful tool to monitor cleaning quality in real time, not just periodically. This facilitates rapid corrections when deviations are detected, reduces errors, and increases engagement among cleaning teams. The results are continuously improved outcomes and higher client satisfaction.
For facility managers, VSR cleaning audits offer a solid, objective foundation to document, verify, and report cleaning quality agreements. Cleaning moves from being a ‘black box’ to a transparent process with clear performance data. This transparency makes it possible to refine contracts, set clear expectations, and maintain realistic, achievable quality targets that support sustainable partnerships.
The cleaning sector faces major challenges, including sustainability requirements, energy efficiency, and labor shortages. VSR cleaning audits can fulfil a crucial role in tackling these issues by making processes measurable and optimizing operations. Innovations such as digital dashboards and advanced data analytics further enrich VSR data, making quality management more user-friendly and effective. VSR serves not just as the backbone of reliable quality assurance, but also as the foundation for modern, future-proof cleaning management.
Are you looking to have your facility’s cleaning quality objectively and reliably assessed through a VSR cleaning audit? Or do you want to train your cleaning staff in effective cleaning methods guided by precise audit findings? Contact us today. Our experts will help you explore new possibilities to elevate your cleaning quality standards.
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Since mid-2023, the Netherlands has experienced a worrying surge in infections with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE). Before COVID-19, the annual average was around 281 laboratory-confirmed cases, but this number rose to 427 cases in 2023. In both 2024 and the first half of 2025, case counts remain significantly higher than historical averages.
Notably, this increase in human infections parallels a rise in SE-positive laying flocks. In 2023, 74 positive flocks were detected, followed by 81 in 2024, and already 50 in the first half of 2025. This is much higher than the historical mean of around 30 per year.
This trend highlights a clear connection: the more infected flocks within the poultry sector, the higher the risk of human infections through the consumption of contaminated eggs.
For egg producers, this trend translates into greater pressure on monitoring and biosecurity efforts. Although the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) tests flocks at least every 15 weeks, infections can spread in the intervals between official checks. Any delays in identifying and removing positive flocks increase the likelihood of contaminated eggs entering the food chain.
Therefore, in addition to mandatory government testing, there is every reason for laying farms to intensify their own hygiene monitoring. More frequent checks not only help detect Salmonella risks early, but also strengthen risk management, farm biosecurity, and ultimately, protection of public health.
Dipslides provide a low-threshold yet highly effective way to conduct rapid microbiological hygiene checks. You can use them easily on surfaces and in water. For poultry farms, they offer clear advantages:
Simple and cost-effective: No expensive equipment or laboratory expertise is required.
In addition to general-purpose hygiene monitoring dipslides, selective dipslides are available that are specifically developed to detect certain microorganisms, including Salmonella spp.. The specialized agar media on these dipslides inhibit competing microbes, making it easier to clearly identify the target organism.
For laying farms, this means you can perform targeted Salmonella checks with minimal effort, perfectly aligned with the sector’s growing need for more frequent monitoring between mandatory NVWA tests.
The recent rise of Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry flocks and in human cases underlines that the risks are both current and urgent. For egg producers, proactive hygiene control and early detection of contamination are essential.
With dipslides for Salmonella detection, you gain access to a practical, affordable, and reliable tool to strengthen your on-farm monitoring program. In doing so, you not only safeguard your flock and product quality but also contribute to food safety and public health.
Looking for the right dipslides for your farm? Explore our full selection or contact us for tailored advice.
Source: https://www.eurosurveillance.org
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Dipslides are frequently used to check the hygiene of surfaces, equipment, and products. They can also be used to monitor bacterial load in cooling water, process water, swimming pools, and wellness resorts. They help you comply with standards such as NEN-ISO 17381 and are also suitable for checking stable hygiene or monitoring metalworking fluids. In this work instruction, we will explain step-by-step how to correctly use dipslides so you can easily monitor the microbiological condition of surfaces and liquids yourself.
There are many different types of dipslides available. To select the correct type, it is important to know which type of microorganism you want to test for. Some dipslides have different culture media on each side, allowing you to do two different tests with one dipslide. An example of this is are dipslides with a general growth medium on one side for total microbial count (plate count agar) and on the other side for fungi or, for example, enterobacteria (VRBGA).
Dipslides often have a shelf life of several months. Store the dipslides according to the instructions on the packaging. Usually, a clean environment at a constant temperature between 8 and 15°C is sufficient. Make sure not to exceed the expiration date printed on the package..
Think in advance about which surfaces or liquids you want to test. Create a clear sampling form where each sampling point has a unique identification. This keeps your investigation organized and ensures traceable results.
From this point on, ensure you work hygienically by maintaining a clean workspace, disinfecting your hands, and preferably wearing a clean lab coat. If desired, use sterile gloves. The goal of these hygiene measures is to prevent false results caused by unwanted contamination of surfaces or your test materials.
Before taking a sample with the dipslide, carefully remove it from its protective cover. From this moment, avoid coughing, talking, or deep breathing over the surface or the culture medium to prevent contamination.
When sampling with a dipslide, press the culture medium onto the surface for about 5 seconds. Remember that your dipslide has two sides, which can both be pressed onto the surface. If you use the dipslide to check the hygiene of a liquid, immerse the dipslide in the liquid for a few seconds.
Immediately after sampling, place the dipslide back in the protective cover. Be careful not to touch the agar surface. When this dipslide in the cover, this usually protects the dipslide securely.
After sampling, clean the surface where you just pressed the dipslide, as a small amount of agar medium may remain.
After sampling, place the closed dipslides upright in the incubator. The temperature and duration needed for incubating your dipslides can often be obtained from your supplier or may be listed on the packaging. If you have multiple dipslides that require different incubation temperatures, place them in separate incubators.
Once the dipslides have been incubated as instructed, remove them from the incubator and assess colony growth by comparing the grown culture medium to the corresponding reference card. Make sure to carefully interpret the results of your bacterial test. This prevents unnecessary alarm about hygiene issues or underestimation of risks. By regularly hygiene tests with dipslides and structured documenting, you can identify trends and evaluate the impact of changes in your process.
If you want to know more about the dipslides we can supply, please feel free to request our current overview.
If, despite these instructions, you would prefer us to carry out the hygiene checks on your site in The Netherlands or Belgium, please feel free to contact us to discuss the options.
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RODAC plates or dipslides are often used for hygiene control. Both are considered reliable methods for microbiological hygiene control, but there are also differences. In this blog, we explain the differences between these two methods, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and in which situations it is best to choose RODAC plates or dipslides.
RODAC (Replicate Organism Detection And Counting) plates are petri dishes with a spherical nutrient medium. By pressing the plate onto a surface, bacteria and fungi present are transferred to the medium. After incubation, you can precisely count the colonies. RODAC plates are the gold standard for quantitative microbiological monitoring of surfaces and are also frequently used, for example, to assess whether the hygiene of textiles meets agreed standards.
Benefits of RODAC Plates
Disadvantages of RODAC plates
Dipslides are plastic strips with a nutrient base on both sides. You can dip the dipslide into a liquid or press it onto a surface. After incubating the dipslides in an incubator , you visually read the result with a reference chart, determining whether there is limited, medium or strong growth. Dipslides are especially popular for quick, indicative hygiene checks.
Benefits of dipslides
Disadvantages of dipslides
RODAC plates are the best choice when:
Dipslides are ideal when:
At CCD, we have for many years supplied RODAC plates to companies that need to meet the strictest hygiene standards. We regularly train employees of our customers to properly perform sampling using RODAC plates and Petrifilms , analyze them and interpret the results. In this way, they learn not only how to determine current hygiene, but also how to improve it further. With the addition of dipslides to our range, we now also offer a practical solution for quick, indicative hygiene checks in a variety of sectors.
Unsure which method best suits your organization? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.
With RODAC plates you meet the highest requirements, with dipslides you easily monitor daily hygiene. This way, CCD offers the right solution for every situation!
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During our training course “Microbiology in Practice,” we combine theory and hands-on practice. Participants learn how to perform RODAC plate sampling themselves and how to assess incubated RODAC plates, as well as more about the rationale behind hygiene and various hygiene measures.
In some cases, a clear work instruction is sufficient. That’s why in this blog we explain step-by-step how you can use RODAC plates to monitor the microbiological condition of your products or surfaces. This is a general approach that may require adjustments in detail to fit your specific situation.
Make sure to use sterile RODAC plates filled with the desired culture media, for example Plate Count Agar (PCA) for total viable counts, Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar (VRBGA) for Enterobacteriaceae, or Baird Parker Agar (BPA) for Staphylococcus aureus. The latter two selective media allow targeted detection of relevant microorganisms.
Store the RODAC plates according to the manufacturer’s instructions, for the types above we generally advise a clean environment at a constant temperature between 12 and 20°C. Do not use plates beyond their expiration date, as this compromises validity.
First, determine which surfaces you want to test for hygiene in a hygiene monitoring plan. Based on this, create a clear form that assigns a unique identifier to each sampling point. We often use numbers as identification. It is important that the surfaces to be sampled are flat or, in the case of textiles, placed flat on a firm surface.
From this point onward, ensure you work hygienically. This means maintaining a clean workspace, performing hand disinfection, and preferably wearing a clean lab coat.
Remove the RODAC plates from their packaging using clean, disinfected hands. You can also use sterile gloves if preferred. When opening the packaging, note that the lid should be loosely placed on the dish. Never touch the culture media or the inside of the lid with your hands, even when wearing sterile gloves. Once unpacked, label each RODAC plate with a unique identifier.
Before taking a sample, carefully remove the lid of the RODAC plate with one hand. Hold the lid with the open side facing down during sampling to prevent dust particles from settling inside. From this moment, avoid coughing, talking, or deep breathing to prevent contaminating the surface or culture media.
When sampling the RODAC plate, press the culture media onto the surface with approximately 500 grams of pressure for 10 seconds. While tools to assist with this are available, they are not required. After 10 seconds, replace the lid carefully, taking care not to touch the surface of the media. If your RODAC plates have a twist-lock lid, secure it by twisting so the lid cannot fall off.
If you plan to test the same surface with several types of culture media, make sure subsequent samples are done close to – but never overlapping – the previous ones.
After sampling, clean the surface because a small amount of agar medium may have been left behind.
Immediately after sampling, place the RODAC plates in an incubator. Plates may be stacked, but only group plates that require incubation at the same temperature.
A digital incubator allows easy setting of the required temperature.
The optimal incubation time and temperature for your RODAC plates can usually be obtained from your supplier. For commonly used media such as TSA, PCA, VRBGA, and BPA (with which we frequently work), the standard incubation is 48 (±2) hours at 37 (±1) °C.
After incubation, assess the plates for colony growth by counting the number of colonies (CFU = Colony Forming Units) per plate. Record your counts on the form prepared earlier. If you are looking for specific bacteria, it is important to recognize their appearance, as selective media may also support growth of other microorganisms that are not relevant in your case.
Would you like to learn more about performing hygiene monitoring and controlling hygiene within your organization? Register for our practical training ‘Microbiology in Practice’ and learn how to effectively safeguard hygiene and food safety within your organization using RODAC plates.
If, despite these instructions, you would prefer us to carry out the hygiene checks on your site in The Netherlands or Belgium, please feel free to contact us to discuss the options.
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The DES-controller is widely used as a reliable bio-indicator for monitoring washing processes, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) room disinfection, and validating and verifying sterilizers and autoclaves. In addition to these established applications, DES-controllers are successfully utilized to verify pasteurization processes and ensure food safety in temperature-sensitive operations, even meeting stringent standards such as FSSC 22000.
Many production processes in the food industry require strict temperature controls, particularly for protein-containing products. Excessive heat can lead to protein denaturation, negatively affecting product quality. One example comes from a client who pasteurizes their products at 68°C for 72 hours. These products are intended for vulnerable consumer groups, such as individuals with compromised immune systems, making it critical to guarantee sterility and microbiological safety.
During periodic validation of this pasteurization process, traditional laboratory analyses are complemented by the use of DES-controllers as bio-indicators, together with calibrated temperature loggers such as our TELID temperature loggers. These validations have demonstrated a clear correlation between the microbial reduction measured by DES-controllers and the microbiological quality of the final product. This enables cost-effective, ongoing verification of the process using DES-controllers, thereby enhancing the assurance of food safety.
Herbs naturally carry a high microbial load. When pasteurizing herbs, in this example controlled heating up to approximately 80 – 85°C is applied, while avoiding higher temperatures that could cause quality loss through overdrying. DES-controllers are strategically positioned at various locations within the drying chamber to objectively measure the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
This approach results in reliable, continuous verification of microbial reduction, which is essential for managing microbial risks in products often consumed by at-risk populations.
Beyond laboratory analyses for factors such as heavy metal contamination, DES-controllers play an important role in interim verification of hygiene processes. Organizations operating under FSSC 22000 and other food safety standards benefit from this practical and cost-effective tool for process control and risk management.
DES-controllers offer a versatile and effective solution for demonstrably safeguarding food safety, whether verifying the disinfection of workwear and environments, or confirming pasteurization process performance. With these bio-indicators, quality managers and auditors in the food industry can validate and optimize their processes efficiently and objectively.
Would you like to learn more about how DES-controllers can strengthen your quality assurance and food safety management? Please contact us for advice and further information.
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Biological agents are an increasing point of interest in healthcare. This collective term includes microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause serious health risks upon exposure, ranging from infections to allergies and poisoning. In hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities, the risk of spreading biological agents is high due to the intensive contact with patients, and the consequences of infection can be severe.
Controlling biological agents is central to infection prevention policies. Previously, the Dutch WIP guidelines were leading, but these have largely been replaced by the new SRI guidelines. The SRI guidelines are up-to-date, reflect the latest scientific insights, and provide concrete instructions for the safe cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of medical devices and surfaces in healthcare. They also set clear standards for hygienic laundering of textiles.
A core principle of the SRI guidelines is demonstrable effectiveness: not only must the right products and methods be used, but the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization processes must also be objectively proven.
Many healthcare facilities collaborate with certified laundromats for most textiles, but often use (semi-)professional washing machines for emergency laundry or cleaning materials. Even with high-quality equipment, the question remains: how can you prove that all biological agents are actually eliminated? Traditional chemical indicators only show that a sterilization process has occurred, not whether microorganisms have been quantitatively killed. For laundry, it is often stated that washing at a minimum of 60°C is required, but the program must maintain 60°C for at least 50 minutes (according to TNO’s time/temperature formula) to be effective. Bio-indicators offer the solution here, these are special test tools containing biological agents, such as resistant bacterial spores. By running these bio-indicators through the wash or sterilization process, you can objectively verify whether the process was truly effective. This aligns with the SRI guidelines, which emphasize demonstrable effectiveness.
Regularly using a bio-indicator to check a disinfection or sterilization process offers several advantages:
Managing biological agents is more relevant than ever in healthcare. The new SRI guidelines further emphasize the importance of demonstrable, reliable disinfection and sterilization. By using bio-indicators in laundry and sterilization processes, your organization not only meets the latest guidelines but also ensures the highest level of safety for patients and staff.
If you are looking for a solution to objectively measure the effectiveness of your disinfection process according to the latest guidelines, consider how a DES-controller can help you truly control biological agents.
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While resistance to carbapenem antibiotics was long seen as primarily a hospital problem, attention is now shifting to another source of concern: the food chain. Carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPE) are increasingly being found in animals and food products across Europe. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has sounded the alarm in a recent scientific opinion.
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are bacteria that can produce an enzyme (carbapenemases) that breaks down certain antibiotics. When these bacteria cause an infection, they are harder to treat because some commonly used antibiotics no longer work. How difficult treatment becomes depends on the disease and which types of antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to. There are often still alternative treatments available, but they are more complex, which is why it is better to prevent contamination with this type of bacteria.
Since 2011, CPE have been found in 14 of the 30 EU and EFTA countries. Initially, these bacteria were mostly found in healthcare settings, but they are now also found in pigs, cattle, and, to a lesser extent, poultry. These include, among others, E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. EFSA points out that in some cases, identical bacterial strains have been found in both humans and animals, suggesting possible transmission between the two. However, direct transmission via food has not yet been proven.
The increase in reported CPE cases may indicate that these bacteria are spreading further and that controlling them is becoming more difficult. Ten out of 30 countries have now developed emergency plans to investigate and control the spread of these resistant bacteria. EFSA has made several recommendations for monitoring and limiting the spread.
With the increasing risk of CPE in the food chain – E. coli being a common carrier – it is becoming more important to demonstrate whether these resistant bacteria are effectively eliminated in washing processes, such as for workwear, hospital linen, or other textiles.
The DES-controller is a bio-indicator that has been used for decades to objectively measure the performance of a washing process in terms of disinfection using an indicator organism. Typically, a type of DES-controller with Enterobacteriaceae or Staphylococcus aureus is used. Given the growing concern about these resistant carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPE), it may be wise to additionally use the DES-controller with Escherichia coli as the indicator organism in the washing process.
Thanks to the robust membrane system of the DES-controller, the test organism undergoes the full disinfection process without risking contamination of the environment. Once the DES-controller has been washed, it can be easily sent back to Cleaning Consultancy Delft B.V. via your parcel partner. In the laboratory, the level of disinfection is determined, and you will receive a clear report indicating whether the washing process meets the required hygiene standards.
Want to learn more about using the DES-controller with E. coli for washing processes? Check out how easy it is to implement the DES-controller on your own through the link below or contact us for advice and availability.
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In greenhouse farming, hygiene and crop protection play an increasingly important role. We wrote about it earlier in our blog Periodic process checks by CCD. Apart from the regular company clothing for the employees, many disposable materials were used there, while increasingly professional washing machines with special washing processes for the demonstrable disinfection of clothing were in house. Therefore, lightweight and durable overalls and visitor coats have now been developed as alternatives to disposable clothing. These washable alternatives are much more comfortable to wear, wear resistant, airy and completely customizable. This ensures a professional appearance of the protective clothing, which can be comfortably worn by visitors and externals even in warm places. Because they have been successfully used in various companies for some time now, we can confidently state that they are excellent alternatives to disposable materials. In the meantime, washable alternatives to hairnets have also been developed. A major advantage of this coverall is that it can be washed up to 500 times on a virus-free wash cycle. This makes it not only durable, but also extremely hygienic in use – an important aspect in sectors where viruses should not have a chance.
With the right washing machines and dryers, washable coveralls and hairnets can be reused many times, without requiring unnecessary energy and temperature. Because hygiene has to be guaranteed, demonstrable disinfection during the washing process plays a crucial role. Professional equipment and automatic dosing of detergents are therefore strongly recommended. In addition, it is important to have the technical condition of the equipment checked regularly. This is often done by the supplier. Disinfection during the washing process can be easily and regularly checked by yourself with the DES controller, without the need for a technician or specialist to come to your location.
Around the world, industrial laundromats in the healthcare, food and pharmaceutical industries have relied on the DES controller for years to monitor disinfection in their laundry processes. The DES controller is an advanced bio-indicator that allows you to easily determine how effectively a textile washing process kills off bacteria. The special bacteria in the DES controller are protected by a semi-permeable membrane that protects you and prevents the test bacteria from being washed away. You receive the DES controller periodically in the mail, so you know it’s time to check your laundry process again. After you have washed the DES controller with your coveralls or hairnets, return it directly to our laboratory. We then do an analysis, after which you receive a clear report by e-mail stating whether your washing process disinfects sufficiently.
You want to prevent a virus within your company at all times. That’s why there is often a significant investment in protective jackets and hairnets.
Coveralls are the solution. How exactly that works? We are happy to explain!
Choose comfort, durability and lower clothing costs. Let coveralls make the difference for your business. Contact us and experience the convenience of sustainable work for yourself.
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At Cleaning Consultancy Delft (CCD), we believe that cooperation and knowledge sharing are essential to moving the industrial laundry industry forward. That is why we are proud members of Vematex, the association for suppliers of products and services to the textile care industry, since 2024. With our active participation, including the role of our director/owner Anthony Hendriks on the board of the association, we at CCD are committed to the future of the industry together with the other members.
The laundry industry is constantly evolving, with challenges such as the energy transition, innovation in technology and retention of professional expertise. Vematex provides a unique platform where suppliers come together to address these issues. By exchanging ideas, knowledge and experience, we work together on solutions that contribute to a stronger, sustainable and future-oriented industry.
Anthony Hendriks, owner of CCD, explains why he is actively involved with Vematex:
“I don’t just want to be a member, I want to contribute. At Vematex, we have the opportunity to make a real difference by working together on the challenges of our industry. For me, it’s about impact, not casual coffee drinking.”
As a specialist in the laundry industry, CCD is in a unique position. With our years of experience and in-depth knowledge, we help companies work more efficiently and optimize their processes. Our membership in Vematex gives us the opportunity to use this expertise more broadly, not only for our customers, but also for the industry as a whole.
At Vematex meetings, we bring up topics such as:
By talking about this with other members, together we come up with concrete actions and solutions that benefit the entire industry.
The laundry industry faces complex challenges. Think about making processes more sustainable, dealing with rising energy costs and the need for technological innovation. According to Anthony, this is exactly why it is important to work together:
“You can’t solve these challenges on your own. At Vematex, suppliers and experts come together, knowledge is shared and ideas are exchanged. This is essential to make our industry stronger and more sustainable.”
This is why, Vematex offers not only structured meetings, but also perfectly organized informal moments such as the annual networking day. These days are great for speaking with fellow professionals, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas.
Our membership in Vematex not only strengthens our position, but also that of our customers. By keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends in the sector, we can provide them with even better advice and support. Whether it’s process optimization, knowledge sharing or sustainable innovations, we bring the latest insights to your company.
At CCD, we are committed to helping the laundry industry every day. Our membership in Vematex is a logical step to strengthen that mission. Together with other suppliers, we are working towards a sustainable, innovative and future-oriented industry. Would you like to know more about our involvement with Vematex or how we can support your company? Feel free to get in touch with us. Together, we will ensure a strong and future-proof laundry industry.
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In the greenhouse industry, it is essential to disinfect company clothing correctly to prevent infections by viruses such as ToBRFV (Tomato virus) or, for example, CGMMV (Cucumber virus). These viruses have already caused great damage worldwide and, once in the greenhouse, are extremely difficult to fight. Strict hygiene protocols, including the mandatory use of company clothing, are important measures. Nevertheless, standard washing processes for industrial clothing were found to be insufficient to kill these viruses. An effective approach is therefore crucial to keep the virus out of the greenhouse and prevent further spread.
Standard laundry processes for industrial clothing are mainly aimed at removing dirt, stains and a hygienic end result. Nevertheless, these are usually not effective when it comes to killing off these types of plant viruses. In addition, the agents that are effective against these viruses in the greenhouse were found to be unsuitable for washing clothes. They degraded the appearance of the clothes, caused accelerated wear and tear and resulted in additional environmentally harmful wastewater.
In his previous position, Peter Giezeman, one of the consultants at CCD, played a key role in developing a special washing process for greenhouse horticulture. This process, which is now used at many greenhouse farms, not only effectively kills viruses but also preserves the appearance of the company’s clothing. The system uses peracetic acid and is specifically set up on industrial washing machines.
By dosing detergents automatically and in the right amounts at different times, viruses are demonstrably eliminated even at a main wash temperature of 50 degrees. As a result, company clothing lasts significantly longer and consumes much less energy than traditional washing processes.
Although the washing process has been carefully developed by a specialist team and uses professional equipment, it is still crucial to check the operation regularly. This is where CCD comes in. As an independent specialist, CCD performs periodic process checks on site.
During these checks, the entire washing process is assessed and critical process parameters are tested using validated materials. In some cases, a CCD specialist can even make minor adjustments immediately to correct any deficiencies and restore the process to optimal operation. After each audit, the greenhouse company receives a comprehensive report, which always gives them full insight into the effectiveness of their washing process and the disinfection of their company’s clothing.
Thanks to CCD’s regular inspections, greenhouse farms can be confident that their washing process for their industrial clothing is operating optimally and meets the highest hygiene standards. These process controls not only guarantee effective virus control, but also help maintain the quality and durability of the clothing. This allows companies to focus entirely on their cultivation and business operations, with the peace of mind that the hygiene and safety of their work clothes are always in top condition.
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In the healthcare and medical sectors, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, food industry and animal care and dentistry, for example, it is vital to thoroughly sterilize materials and instruments. Sterilization ensures that microorganisms on or in an item are killed or inactivated, which is essential for the safety of patients, employees and consumers. To verify that this process is actually successful, the use of bioindicators is a reliable way to measure the effectiveness of sterilization processes.
Bioindicators are test media that contain bacterial spores that are highly resistant to sterilization processes. Microorganisms such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus or Bacillus atropheus only survive if the sterilization process is not done properly. You place a bio-indicator in the sterilizer along with the material to be sterilized. After the process, you send the bioindicator to a laboratory, where it is checked that all spores have been completely killed.
Compared to other control methods, such as chemical indicators, bioindicators offer clear added value. Chemical indicators show whether a sterilization process has been completed, but say little about its actual effectiveness. Bioindicators, on the other hand, show whether the sterilization process has been completely successful. With a prescribed indicator organism, you can determine exactly to what extent the killing off has been achieved.
The use of bioindicators has several advantages, both for sterilization quality and safety compliance:
A widely used bioindicator is the DES controller, which has been successfully used for many years in various industries. This bioindicator is available in several varieties, including types with specific bacterial spores that are exceptionally resistant to sterilization processes.
With the DES controller, you can easily and safely monitor the effectiveness of a sterilizer without the need for specialized knowledge or technical support. This makes it possible for many organizations to independently monitor the operation of their sterilization processes.
The DES controller is not only used to monitor sterilizers in healthcare, but also in industrial applications. Worldwide, industrial laundries in the healthcare, food and pharmaceutical industries have relied on the DES controller for many years to validate disinfection in their wash processes. This broad applicability highlights the versatility and reliability of bioindicators as an essential tool for controlling sterilization processes.
Sterilizers and autoclaves play a crucial role in sterilizing materials. These devices must constantly maintain the correct temperature, pressure and time to ensure an effective sterilization process. Bioindicators such as the DES controller are essential to verify that these critical parameters have actually been achieved and that the process has been carried out effectively.
It is important to have the technical condition of sterilizers checked regularly, often this is done by the equipment supplier. In addition, you can easily verify the effectiveness of sterilization yourself with a bioindicator. This allows you to perform regular tests, so you know with confidence that your equipment is functioning properly.
Bioindicators are essential for monitoring and ensuring the effectiveness of sterilization processes. Whether you operate in healthcare, food or any other sector where sterility is crucial, bioindicators help you validate and further optimize sterilization processes.
Want to learn more about using the DES controller as a bioindicator or request a test right away? Feel free to contact us. We are ready to support you in effective and reliable sterilization control within your organization.