ATP extraction method

Abstract

A method for extracting ATP from a biological sample is disclosed. The method involves introducing a cationic extractant and an anionic substance and then extracting ATP. The method may be used to assay for the presence of ATP in a biological sample or to determine the amount of ATP extracted from a biological sample. The method is particularly useful in detecting contamination on surfaces and in food products. A reagent, a test device and a test kit that involve the use of the method to detect contamination are also disclosed.

1 . A method for extracting ATP from a biological sample, comprising: 
 a) introducing a cationic extractant and an anionic substance; and    b) extracting said ATP.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said anionic substance is selected from the group consisting of sulfate ion and SDS.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said sulfate ion is in a form of a magnesium salt.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said magnesium salt is magnesium sulfate.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said magnesium sulfate is present in an amount of about 0.0001 μg to about 0.4 μg.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said anionic substance is SDS in an amount of about 0.0001 μg to about 0.5 μg.  
     
     
         7 - 9 . (canceled)  
     
     
         10 . A reagent for extracting ATP from a biological sample, comprising a cationic extractant and an anionic substance.  
     
     
         11 . The reagent of  claim 10 , further comprising luciferin, luciferase and magnesium.  
     
     
         12 . A test device comprising the reagent of  claim 10  dried onto a solid carrier material.  
     
     
         13 . A test device comprising the reagent of  claim 11  dried onto a solid carrier material.  
     
     
         14 . The reagent of  claim 10 , wherein said cationic extractant is benzalkonium chloride.