ATP bioluminescence for rapid determination of the microbiological quality of poultry meat

In the course of this study, 357 chicken samples were examined concerning the correlation between measurements of microbial ATP with the bioluminescence method (n = 180) as well as the bioluminescence method in combination with the Biofiltration-System((R)) (n = 177) and the determination of the microbial load on plate count. The bioluminescence method combined with the Biofiltration-System((R)) allows to examine a higher concentrated sample because the 10th quantity of sample if drawn through the filter using vacuum. The samples were purchased from local supermarkets and farmers markets and destructively prepared for all determinations. Parallel to these methods the microbial level of the samples was determined on plate count. The samples were differentiated in chicken's skin, breast and leg for the statistical analysis of the results. We obtained limits of detection of >10(5) CFU/g for chicken breast, 5x10(5) CFU/g for the skin and 5x1O(4) CFU/g for chicken Legs with the bioluminescent method. The limits of detection fur the bioluminescent method which is combined with the Biofiltration-System were >10(4) CFU/g for chicken breast, 5x10(4) CFU/g for chicken skin and >10(5) KBE/g for chicken legs.