Everything you need to know about our Bactiscan technology, if there's anything else you need to know, please contact us directly.
How should we test our surface areas after clean in place?
In order to comply with HACCP requirements, processors need to identify CCPs (Critical Control Points), and/or areas within their production plant that may cause product contamination/failure. Examination of surface areas after CIP (Clean in Place) is now possible using the unique Bactiscan™ system, allowing the processor to comply with due diligence.
How often should we examine our surface areas?
Stainless steel surfaces, some of which are positioned within the production area should be examined regularly, searching for areas of biofilm and bacterial growth caused by poor cleaning systems, spray ball faults for example, defects may occur at any time during production, or when the item is CIP cleaned, these areas may cause product contamination at any time, so examination as frequently as possible is recommended.
I have used traditional methods for validating my clean in place, what is the best methodology now?
Scanning in real time using EIT International’s Bactiscan™. This equipment enables the processor to clearly see the biofilms in real time, enabling them to take swabs of the area to identify bacteria numbers.
Is it true that biofilms become hardened on the surface and cannot be washed off by cleaning in process?
It is our experience that some biofilms are hidden behind a glass-like surface caused through continuous washing and chemical hardening and when swabs are taken, they are not detected with the swabbing technique. Bactiscan™ can highlight these regions and abrasive work is needed to remove the film in order to measure bacteria numbers. The danger for processors is that these films may become loose during production and release the biofilm into the product.
Where would your inspector look for these biofilms in my plant
We would recommend that you isolate a line and scan all areas within that line, so 100% surfaces that are in contact with products. For example, we recently checked a sterile water vessel as this was the final examination when searching for a contamination that had happened. The vessel had serious biofilms that were obviously releasing into the final rinse before the line was filled with product, contaminating the whole line.
What are environmental issues with testing using Bactiscan™?
EIT International’s Bactiscan™ system has electronic sensors that can be used for many years without any consumables, so extremely environmentally friendly and cost effective.
Can you prove the accuracy of this test?
The Bactiscan™ equipment comprises of real time scanner and test piece to replicate biofilms and bacteria on surfaces, proving accuracy. This process has been validated by Campden BRI
How safe is the equipment that you will use for these tests?
Bactiscan™ uses lightweight battery operated electronic sensors and transmitters to illuminate a surface.
What safety steps should I take whilst using Bactiscan™?
We recommend that the inspector wear adequate eye protection in the form of protective glasses whilst using Bactiscan™. Most production facilities will have safety glasses in situ. Safety glass lenses made of polycarbonate will naturally block 99.9% of UV light. So, even clear safety glasses will provide excellent protection. However should you require specific UV protection, a simple on-line search will provide a list of suppliers in their area.
How much downtime is needed for the Bactiscan™ test?
In most instances downtime is not required as long as the surface can be illuminated by Bactiscan. Bactiscan™ is able to examine an empty silo for example in approximately 30 minutes.
Would your test method find product residues on my filling machine?
Bactiscan™ is able to identify poorly cleaned areas of many surfaces including filling machines.
Distributors for West Africa
HYGENE TECHNOLOGIES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS THE SOLE DISTRIBUTORS FOR WEST AFRICA BY EIT INTERNATIONAL, A UK COMPANY, WHO HAVE DEVELOPED THE MOST ADVANCED UV DETECTION SYSTEMS. THESE DEVICES ARE DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN THE UK.