Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to compare the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite and citric acid at cleaning surfaces. METHODS: ATP bioluminescence assay was used to evaluate surface cleanliness pre-and post-treatment with active cleaning agents of choice. Independent two sample t-test statistical analyses were conducted to ensure both cleaning agents have similar load of contaminants. Paired t-test statistical analysis was utilized to evaluate efficacy of citric acid and sodium hypochlorite for cleaning surface. RESULTS: Sodium hypochlorite significantly reduce the number of ATPs on a surface(p-value= 0.00084). Meanwhile, citric acid efficacy could not be evaluated due to incompatibility with enzymes found in Hygiena UltraSnap. CONCLUSION: Further research needs to be conducted to evaluate the cleaning efficacy of citric acid. While sodium hypochlorite significantly reduces ATPs number, following manufacturer's guideline and removing physical debris from the surface is necessary to achieve Hygiena's prescribed cleanliness standard.