FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do VEI’s tests require a growth phase to detect bacteria, such as growing the sample on a culture plate?

A: No.  VEI’s MoniTek and QuikAlert do not require any growth, and provide a result in 20 minutes from the time of sample collection.

VEI’s MicroQuik confirmation tests are different from the MoniTek and QuikAlert tests as the MicroQuik tests are used for the confirmation of a specific bacteria from a first growth plate (the usual first 24 hours).  However the MicroQuik test will immediately provide the result from the first growth plate, thereby eliminating the usual consecutive selective growth plates that are typically required for confirmation which can be an additional 24 to 48 hours.


Q: Can anyone perform VEI’s food safety and sanitation monitoring tests?

A: Yes.  No special training, skills, or equipment is needed. 


Q: Why do VEI’s tests provide bacteria detection faster than any other tests on the market?

A: Most of the other tests for bacteria detection have to find the actual bacteria.  VEI’s tests detect the enzymes produced by the bacteria, and a healthy bacteria can be producing thousands of enzymes.


Q: What is ATP?

A: ATP is Adenosine triphosphate, and it is found in all organic matter.  A positive ATP test does not mean that bacteria is present, only that organic matter is present.


Q: Why do some companies use ATP tests?

A: ATP can be used to check if a surface is clean before food is prepared.  However, once a piece of food is placed on the surface, such as a tomato, an ATP test will be positive.  Therefore ATP will be useless to detect bacteria during the work shift as every test would be positive.  VEI’s MoniTek, on the other hand, can be used at any time during the work shift and it will only be positive if bacteria is present.


Q: What is biofilm

A:  Biofilm is a group of bacteria living in a protective layer that adheres to a surface.  These bacteria are protected within the layer and cannot be detected by ATP.


Q: Can VEI’s tests detect biofilm?

A: Yes. Since VEI’s tests detect enzymes produced by bacteria, and those enzymes are small enough to escape the protective layer of the biofilm, they can be detected.


Q: Where can I order VEI’s food safety tests?

A: You can order directly from VEI.  Products can conveniently be ordered on-line at VEI’s website.  VEI is in the process of locating distributors who would like to add VEI’s products to their portfolio.