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WO2001011344A1 - Appareil et systeme de controle de l'hygiene et leurs utilisations - Google Patents

Appareil et systeme de controle de l'hygiene et leurs utilisations Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001011344A1
WO2001011344A1 PCT/FI2000/000677 FI0000677W WO0111344A1 WO 2001011344 A1 WO2001011344 A1 WO 2001011344A1 FI 0000677 W FI0000677 W FI 0000677W WO 0111344 A1 WO0111344 A1 WO 0111344A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hygiene
monitoring apparatus
sample
measuring
sample container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/FI2000/000677
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Markku Kauneela
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MEDICAL PACKAGING CORP
Original Assignee
MEDICAL PACKAGING CORP
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MEDICAL PACKAGING CORP filed Critical MEDICAL PACKAGING CORP
Priority to EP00951567A priority Critical patent/EP1204857A1/fr
Priority to AU64463/00A priority patent/AU6446300A/en
Publication of WO2001011344A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001011344A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/75—Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated
    • G01N21/76—Chemiluminescence; Bioluminescence
    • G01N21/763—Bioluminescence
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
    • G01N2201/02—Mechanical
    • G01N2201/022—Casings
    • G01N2201/0221—Portable; cableless; compact; hand-held

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hygiene monitoring apparatus, system and uses thereof for monitoring hygiene.
  • the apparatus measures the light output of a light- emitting marker used in a method for monitoring hygiene.
  • the measuring apparatus according to the invention form advantageously together with the central unit a communications network, with the aid of which network the hygiene monitoring can be arranged.
  • Hygiene may be monitored with methods for determining the number, or presence of living microorganisms in the target to be monitored by using different sampling and sample cultivation techniques. It is also known to use methods, wherein the number of living microbes is measured indirectly by determining the amount of markers, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which are characteristic to life. ATP is commonly determined with methods based on biolummescence, wherein ATP makes a bioluminescent marker emit light which is measured. According to Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) in use today the system has to be fast and efficent so that problem situations can be addressed immediately. The measuring apparatus and system used for monitoring hygiene should be easy to use and enable fast interpretation of results.
  • HACCP Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points
  • the patent publication GB 2 001 434 presents the use of a photodiode for quantifying somatic cells from milk in order to determine mastitis. In such a case there is plenty of ATP in the sample, and no sufficient sensitivity or ease of use is achieved with the present method for monitoring hygiene.
  • the measuring comprises for ex- ample the cumbersome pipetting stage and manual zeroing of the measuring apparatus.
  • GB 2 001 434 does not also present an automatic processing of the measurement information or transferring of information between the measuring apparatus and a separate information processing device.
  • the publication WO 98/49544 presents a measuring apparatus using a photomulti- plier, which comprises the required characteristics for sending the measurement results, however, possibility of a two-way communication between the measuring apparatus and the central unit is not intended here. For instance, manipulation of the action limits via the data communication network is not disclosed in the republic- cation.
  • GB 2 178 847 presents a measuring apparatus using a photomultiplier, which apparatus measures the level of hygiene directly on the surface of the object to be measured. All substantial objects in hygiene monitoring, for instance taps or noz- zles, are not well suited for such a method. Furthermore, there are no properties for transferring data in the measuring apparatus presented in the publication.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a hygiene monitoring apparatus that is simple and thus compact, pocket-sixed or otherwise easily portable, independent of mains current, resistant to field conditions and inexpensive.
  • the object of the invention is further to provide a hygiene monitoring system, which enables efficient maintenance of HACCP.
  • this object may be attained by using a silicon photodiode for measuring light.
  • Silicon photodiode is much less sensitive than a photomultiplier and even clearly less sensitive than an avalanche photodiode, but it is, however, adequate for hygiene assays.
  • an adequate sensitivity means a sensitivity sufficient to detect a contamination indicating a substantial health risk.
  • the apparatus may be constructed to be very compact and inexpensive by using a common silicon photodiode, which is very low-cost compared to a photomultiplier and inexpensive even compared to an avalanche photodiode.
  • any ordinary optionally rechargeable finger-like battery may be used, and no elements used in prior art solutions based on a photomultiplier or an avalanche photodiode for generating high power or cooling are needed.
  • the idea of the invention is that even with such straightforward apparatuses, adequate sensitivity for purposes of monitoring hygiene is attained.
  • the signal should be a few times, for instance 3 - 5 times stronger than the noise, and for a quantitative result, the signal should be clearly, e.g. 10 - 30 times stronger than the noise, but this necessary ratio is influenced by several factors including the characteristics of the noise and the ability to eventually process the signal from the silicon photodiode by computation.
  • the apparatus and system according to the invention enables a powerful and inexpensive method for monitoring hygiene to be used for hygiene monitoring purposes, which may not be satisfied with techniques of prior art since the application of known technique requires expensive instruments and/or expertise. For instance cleaning service providers, restaurants including fast food restaurants, and various locations in food industry have such needs.
  • a measuring apparatus is easily made pocket-sized, nonetheless the apparatus may comprise the means necessary for information processing and/or information transferring, such as memory, microprocessor and the technology enabling the data transfer. With the aid of the necessary software information can advantageously be transferred from the measuring apparatus to an external central monitoring unit as well as from the central unit to the measuring apparatus.
  • Data may be transferred between the measuring apparatus and central unit via a mechanical interface or with the aid of communication electronics without a mechanical interface.
  • measurement results can be sent from a hand-held measuring apparatus to an external central unit or the like for processing.
  • the central unit can send to the measuring apparatus according to the HACCP-monitoring program for example the alarm limit values of each respective object to be measured and information for necessary measurement objects.
  • One central unit can be in contact with several measuring apparatuses.
  • the hygiene monitoring apparatuses may thus function as remote terminals for different hygiene measurement points, for instance in production lines for the food industry, from which hygiene monitoring apparatuses the results of the hygiene determination can further be dispatched and to which apparatuses information can be sent. According to what has been presented above the measuring apparatuses form a hygiene monitoring system which enables efficient maintenance of self- monitoring.
  • a silicon photodiode refers to a photodiode, wherein the light sensitive material of the active area thereof is silicon, the bias voltage used being lower than IO N.
  • Figure 1 shows the principle of a hygiene monitoring apparatus as a longitudinal section.
  • Figure 2 shows an explosion view of a light detector of a hygiene monitoring apparatus as seen from the upper end of the apparatus.
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a swab for taking a hygiene sample and sample container, as well as, data transfer between the central unit and measuring apparatuses according to the invention.
  • the hygiene monitoring apparatus 2 comprises a body 4, a measuring chamber 6 for a sample container, a light detector 8, a circuit board 10 and a power source casing 12.
  • the body is primarily sized according to the size of a sample tube, so that the size of the sample tube determines the size of the measuring chamber 6, this measuring chamber in turn de- termining the total length of the apparatus, and for the most part the depth thereof.
  • the outer dimensions of the hygiene monitoring apparatus are about 180 mm (length) x 60 mm (width) x 30 mm (depth).
  • the weight thereof is about 300 - 400 g.
  • the dimensions of the apparatus 2 may of course be significantly reduced, if the sample container used is significantly smaller than the sam- pie tube, for which this embodiment is designed.
  • the light detector 8 is placed at the lower end of the measuring chamber 6.
  • the heart of this hygiene monitoring apparatus 2 is the circuit board 14 of the light detector 8, the circuit board being enclosed in an aluminium housing 15 or like, that protects it against environmental influences.
  • a preamplifier is placed as a surface mounting component.
  • a photodiode 16 with an active area of a size of 5.8 x 5.8 mm for this embodiment is fixed on this same circuit board.
  • the housing 15 both acts as an electromagnetic shield around this sensitive electronic preamplifier, and forms a part of the mechanics of the apparatus for placing the sample tube in front of the photodiode 16 and for immobilising it during the measurement.
  • the components in the housing 15 are connected to the other electronic components through an interface 18 on the side of the housing 15. If desired, it is also possible to use conductors soldered on the preamplifier card 14, the free ends of which may be soldered directly onto the circuit board 8 of the other electronic components.
  • the apparatus of this embodiment is designed to be battery-powered wherein a finger-like battery may be replaced with a corresponding rechargeable battery.
  • the apparatus may also be provided with a mains transformer or a cigarette lighter connection.
  • the minimum operating time with a rechargeable battery is estimated to be eight hours.
  • the apparatus of this embodiment is designed for bioluminometric measurements of ATP concentrations of contaminants.
  • the measuring is conducted on wavelengths from 400 to 600 nm, approximately 562 nm, being the wavelength of the firefly luciferase emission.
  • FIG 3 A schematic view of one hygiene monitoring system according to the invention is shown in figure 3, which system comprises as an example three measuring apparatuses 2 and a central monitoring unit 22.
  • the hygiene sample is taken with swab 20, which is pushed into the sample tube 21.
  • the measuring chamber 6 of the measuring apparatus 2 (see figures 1 and 2) is adjusted for the sample tube 21 tailored for monitoring hygiene, which sample tube 21 comprises the reagents re- quired by the method.
  • the sample is taken for instance by brushing the swab 20 against the surface where hygiene is to be measured.
  • Sample tube 21 and swab 20 may be as presented in patent publication WO 95/07457.
  • the reagents contained in sample tube 21 are advantageously arranged in separate compartments, separated for instance by thin membrane. In this case the reagents are mixed only when the swab 20 containing the sample are pushed into the sample tube 21 thus breaking the membranes.
  • the apparatus 2 may be provided with an indicator light display and/or a numeric display.
  • the indicator light display may consist of LED indicators wherein each indicator lamp lit up corresponds to measurement values below or above predetermined limiting values. It may for instance consist of green, and red LED indicators, wherein an acceptable result lights up the green LED, and correspondingly, an unacceptable result lights up the red LED.
  • the apparatus 2 may further be provided with a memory for storing, say, the last 1000 measurements. The data to be stored may for instance be: measuring time, the number of the sample, the name of the sample, and resulting value.
  • the apparatus 2 may be designed and constructed with an optional connection to an external equipment 22, for instance to a computer for entering and/or altering the set values used and sample data, and for transmitting the obtained results to desired locations, for instance to result data bases, for eventual processing and/or reporting.
  • the measuring apparatuses presented in figure 3 comprise a communication device 24 based on electronic communications, through which device the measuring apparatuses can be in contact with the communication device 23 of the central unit 22.
  • the communications may work in a two-way manner: from the measuring apparatus to the central unit, which is indicated by arrow A, or in the opposite direction, which is indicated by arrow B.
  • the central unit 22 may send for instance changed set values of the hygiene determination or the like according to the self -monitoring program to the measuring apparatus, to which values the object to be measured should adhere.
  • the software of the central unit 22 can, for instance, advise the measuring apparatus 2 to slow down or speed up the sampling on the basis of the information coming from the measuring apparatus.
  • Such communication may be wireless or be based on a leased line.
  • the operations of the apparatus may be programmed to be as simple as possible, so that any person may use it in any place after minimal training.
  • the start of the measurement may be coupled to the enclosure of the sample in the sample chamber.
  • the measurement result may be automatically sent and received from the hygiene monitoring apparatus to the central unit and in the opposite direc- tion.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By The Use Of Chemical Reactions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de contrôle de l'hygiène (2), un système de contrôle de l'hygiène et leurs utilisations dans un procédé permettant de contrôler l'hygiène. Ledit appareil (2) comprend une chambre de mesure (6) pour un conteneur d'échantillon (21) qui contient un échantillon et au moins un marqueur électroluminescent. Une photodiode au silicium (16) permet de mesurer l'émission dudit marqueur dans la chambre de mesure (6). Le dispositif de contrôle (2) comprend également des organes (24) permettant d'envoyer (A) et de recevoir (B) des informations électroniques.
PCT/FI2000/000677 1999-08-09 2000-08-09 Appareil et systeme de controle de l'hygiene et leurs utilisations Ceased WO2001011344A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00951567A EP1204857A1 (fr) 1999-08-09 2000-08-09 Appareil et systeme de controle de l'hygiene et leurs utilisations
AU64463/00A AU6446300A (en) 1999-08-09 2000-08-09 Hygiene monitoring apparatus, system and uses thereof

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI991687A FI19991687A7 (fi) 1999-08-09 1999-08-09 Hygienian valvontalaite ja sen käyttö
FI19991687 1999-08-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001011344A1 true WO2001011344A1 (fr) 2001-02-15

Family

ID=8555127

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2000/000677 Ceased WO2001011344A1 (fr) 1999-08-09 2000-08-09 Appareil et systeme de controle de l'hygiene et leurs utilisations

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1204857A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU6446300A (fr)
FI (1) FI19991687A7 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001011344A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2407638A (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-05-04 Biotrace Ltd Bioluminescence monitor

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2001434A (en) * 1977-07-19 1979-01-31 Tarkkanen V Measurement of somatic cells in milk
GB2178847A (en) * 1985-08-07 1987-02-18 Philips Electronic Associated Testing for the presence of living organisms at the surface of an object
WO1990004775A1 (fr) * 1988-10-21 1990-05-03 Biotrace Ltd. Procede et appareil permettant de controler la fluorescence ou la luminescence
WO1996027796A1 (fr) * 1995-03-07 1996-09-12 Thermedics Detection Inc. Detection des matieres biologiques alterees
WO1998037229A1 (fr) * 1997-02-19 1998-08-27 Fritz Berthold Procede et appareil pour test d'hygiene rapide
WO1998049544A1 (fr) * 1997-04-28 1998-11-05 Universal Healthwatch, Inc. Luminometre portatif

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2001434A (en) * 1977-07-19 1979-01-31 Tarkkanen V Measurement of somatic cells in milk
GB2178847A (en) * 1985-08-07 1987-02-18 Philips Electronic Associated Testing for the presence of living organisms at the surface of an object
WO1990004775A1 (fr) * 1988-10-21 1990-05-03 Biotrace Ltd. Procede et appareil permettant de controler la fluorescence ou la luminescence
WO1996027796A1 (fr) * 1995-03-07 1996-09-12 Thermedics Detection Inc. Detection des matieres biologiques alterees
WO1998037229A1 (fr) * 1997-02-19 1998-08-27 Fritz Berthold Procede et appareil pour test d'hygiene rapide
WO1998049544A1 (fr) * 1997-04-28 1998-11-05 Universal Healthwatch, Inc. Luminometre portatif

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2407638A (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-05-04 Biotrace Ltd Bioluminescence monitor
GB2407638B (en) * 2003-10-24 2008-04-09 Biotrace Ltd Bioluminescence monitor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1204857A1 (fr) 2002-05-15
FI19991687A7 (fi) 2001-02-10
AU6446300A (en) 2001-03-05

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