This guide compares the A3 system with three widely used hygiene monitoring solutions, helping you choose the most suitable approach for your site.

In this article, we compare the A3 system with the 3M Clean-Trace System, Neogen AccuPoint Advanced Next Generation, and Hygiena EnSURE Touch, outlining the strengths and limitations of each approach.

We also explain the most important distinction between them: what they detect, and why this matters for cleaning validation, audit confidence, and food safety.

If you would prefer a deeper technical overview, you can also watch our webinar on hygiene monitoring in high-care environments. Hosted by Alex Carlyon, Radek Tameczka, and Stephan Speidel, it explores the limitations of conventional methods and shares real-world examples of A3 verification in practice.

Watch the full Webinar

What are the most popular Hygiene Monitoring Solutions?

Since its launch in 2017, the Lumitester A3 Smart System has been measured against three main competitors.

Below, we have listed the key differences between each system:

3M Clean-Trace System Neogen AccuPoint® Hygiena EnSure Touch Lumitester A3 Smart System
Benefits Resources and helpline

Use the Surface Positive Control System to check the system is working

Cloud Computing to administrate hygiene monitoring 		Easy-to-use

Free training program

The system generates randomised plans for the testing of sites

The system supports the wireless transfer of data via WiFi connection 		Easy-to-use

Online remote training

Compatible with tests for ATP, enzymes, allergens, protein & sugar

Syncs with analysis software to share results across sites 		Easy-to-use

Ongoing training

Uses the Lumitester App to upload results to the cloud

Quick calibration time (2-3 days) with loan units available

Extendable Swab Holder

Enzyme active for 2 hours with standard ATP test

Detects ATP, AMP and ADP
Limitations Only detects ATP

Only suited to a strong WiFi connection

Batteries are expensive to replace

Can be difficult to implement due to complex 3rd party software 		Only detects ATP

Long turnaround for service and calibration

Batteries are expensive to replace

Limited support available 		Only detects ATP

Rechargeable batteries will fail if used incorrectly

Need to navigate menu before testing

Limited support available 		Operatives who are not used to ATP testing may be resistant

Connects via USB & Bluetooth not WiFi
Chemicals in Sample Chlorhexidinedi gluconate, Humectant No hazardous substances Benzethonium Chloride Dry swabs available - no chemicals

Ease-of-use

One thing that all four systems have in common is the fact that they are incredibly straightforward when it comes to the testing process. Designed with the user experience in mind, they all involve a simple swab test, with the swab then placed inside a self-contained unit.

With an intuitive smartphone design, the Hygiena EnSURE® Touch is easy to navigate, small in size, but with maximum durability. The system also provides multiple testing options, compatible with test devices for ATP, enzymes, allergens, proteins, and sugar.

As an update to the standard Neogen AccuPoint®, the Neogen AccuPoint® Advanced Next Generation also has a touch screen design for easy navigation, as does the 3M Clean-Trace System and the Lumitester A3 Smart System. Although all four systems allow for one-handed operation to support multi-tasking, the 3M Clean-Trace model has been ergonomically designed to feature an extended base section. For some sites this may be a downside as the system is slightly larger. However, some operatives may find this unit easier to carry.

Chemicals in Samples

Another point to consider is the chemicals used in the different systems, paying particular attention to any chemical residue that could be left on a surface after you have swabbed it for testing. As you can imagine, a lot of sites feel it is counter productive for a system that tests the cleanliness of a surface to introduce a new chemical solution.

With this in mind, the Neogen AccuPoint® Advanced Next Generation has proved a popular choice for sites, due to the fact that it doesn’t transfer any potentially hazardous substances during the swabbing process. The A3 system also stands up to this criticism, as its range of compatible swabs includes dry swabs that don’t produce a chemical residue. Instead, if the swab is being used on a particularly dry surface, it can just be swirled in tap water for a couple of seconds. In contrast, the 3M Clean-Trace System relies on Chlorhexidinedigluc onate Humectant and the Hygiena EnSURE® Touch relies on Benzethonium Chloride.

White Paper: Hygiene Verification - Analysing an alternative approach to ATP

  • Examine an emerging testing method that offers an alternative to traditional ATP assays
  • Comparative research from a leading manufacturer
  • Case Studies from Weetabix and McCain Foods

Training and Support

When you are introducing a new system to your site, it’s important to factor in the training and resources that accompany your equipment. With some suppliers charging extra for even a standard level of support, you need to understand exactly what is included in the package you are considering. When it comes to the Hygiene Monitoring Systems mentioned in this article, all four options are geared up to help your operation. However, they do involve varying levels of support.

The 3M Clean-Trace System provides a selection of helpful resources for you to work through and share with your operatives. There is also a helpline that you can reach out to if you experience any teething issues or would like to learn more about the system.

The Neogen AccuPoint® and the Hygiena EnSURE® Touch both provide free, remote training programs, with the EnSURE® Touch featuring built-in screen-sharing capabilities. This should make it easier for you to secure the engagement of your site staff. Neogen also provides 24/7 global support and gives you the option of paying for on-site training.

As for the A3 system, our in-house Technical Support Team works closely with a team of microbiologists to provide ongoing support, resources, and training. Headed up by our in-house A3 expert Radek Tameczka, they will guide you through the Validation Process, helping you to establish Test Points and Referential Benchmarks. This process will be used to create a Validation Document that you can share with your auditors to highlight the effectiveness of the A3 system and explain your choice of test points and benchmarks. Our Technical Support Team will also help you to update and enhance the cleaning procedures at your site so you can be sure of a pass result. Throughout this process, you will be able to contact Radek directly at radek.tameczka@klipspringer.com or on 01473 461800. 

Managing, Tracking, and Analysing Your Data

Another consideration is the software that works alongside your Hygiene Monitoring system. After all, you could save a huge amount of time, money, and effort with the help of intelligent software that processes your data for you.

The Neogen AccuPoint® Advanced Next Generation is compatible with the new Neogen® Analytics Insights cloud-based software, with Neogen® offering training to sites that are new to this system.

The Hygiena EnSURE® Touch connects to SureTrend® using Wifi and a secure SSL encryption to store your data. You can then carry out detailed data analysis. What’s more, if your operation isn’t suited to testing every location every day, you can use the software to generate random test plans.

The 3M System also has its own data analysis technology that has been redesigned to consolidate information and be as user-friendly as possible.

Finally, the A3 System works in conjunction with the Lumitester App. This software automatically turns your inspection pass rates into graphs, allows you to set test points and benchmark values, displays time-series data for each test, and tracks overall inspection scores.

ATP vs ATP + AMP +ADP

All of the factors mentioned above are important and should be taken into consideration as you establish the best approach to Hygiene Monitoring for your site. However, the matter of detection capability is where the biggest difference between the four methodologies can be found.

As you will have noticed in the table at the beginning of this article, the A3 system is the only Hygiene Monitoring Solution that is capable of detecting ATP, ADP, and AMP. In contrast, the other systems are only able to detect ATP.

So why does this matter?

As a molecule found in all living cells, ATP is often tested for when sites want to establish the overall hygiene levels of a surface and efficiency of a clean. The problem is, ATP is an unstable molecule that degrades to ADP and AMP during processes such as cleaning, heating, blanching, and fermentation. It also degrades naturally even when none of these processes have taken place. As a result, the standard ATP tests mentioned throughout this article are unable to detect all organic residue. Instead, they detect ATP, but are incapable of detecting ADP and AMP. Consequently, they will commonly pass contaminated surfaces that would fail even a visual check.

The video below provides an example of this in action, with the A3 system used alongside the 3M Clean-Trace System, the Hygiena EnSURE Touch®, and the Neogen AccuPoint® System. At the time of testing the Neogen AccuPoint® Advanced Next Generation System hadn’t been released. However, as a ATP-only assay, the newer system is also incapable of detecting ADP and AMP.

In addition to testing a surface that had been exposed to Mustard, the four systems also tested surfaces that had been exposed to the following food products.

Hygiena EnSure Touch Lumitester A3 Smart System 3M Clean-Trace System Neogen AccuPoint®
Mustard 0 RLU
Passed		 4813 RLU
Failed		 26 RLU
Passed		 22 RLU
Passed
Peanut Butter 0 RLU
Passed		 968 RLU
Failed		 26 RLU
Passed		 30 RLU
Passed
Hazelnut 7 RLU
Passed		 13511 RLU
Failed		 29 RLU
Passed		 43 RLU
Passed
Soy beans 7 RLU
Passed		 9971 RLU
Failed		 27 RLU
Passed		 43 RLU
Passed
Shrimp 34413 RLU
Passed		 87294 RLU
Failed		 80018 RLU
Passed		 6153 RLU
Passed
Scallops 1127 RLU
Failed		 737543 RLU
Failed		 1127 RLU
Failed		 14 RLU
Passed
Sardines 0 RLU
Passed		 999999 RLU
Failed		 44 RLU
Failed		 27 RLU
Passed
Yoghurt 2820 RLU
Failed		 38078 RLU
Failed		 21394 RLU
Failed		 718 RLU
Failed
Cheese 0 RLU
Passed		 24282 RLU
Failed		 23 RLU
Passed		 11 RLU
Passed
Chocolate 375 RLU
Failed		 8979 RLU
Failed		 153 RLU
Caution		 109 RLU
Failed
Ice cream 682 RLU
Failed		 41882 RLU
Failed		 1526 RLU
Failed		 6 RLU
Passed
Bread 0 RLU
Passed		 1128 RLU
Failed		 20 RLU
Passed		 46 RLU
Passed

As you can see, the A3 system is the only system capable of accurately detecting the organic residue and generating a fail result. In contrast, because the levels of ATP are so low, the other three systems regularly passed surfaces that were in need of further cleaning.

Learn more about the A3 system

So that brings us to the end of our honest comparison of the A3 system and its three main competitors. We hope that you can now see the key areas to consider when finding the right approach to Hygiene Monitoring for your site.

As you move forward with your decision, the Klipspringer team would be happy to provide support. You can contact us on 01473 461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can use the form below to arrange a free consultation.  

If you would like further guidance relating to the advice shared in this article, the Klipspringer team would be happy to help. Share your details below to arrange a free consultation.