These devices are small pieces of treated paper designed for rapid determination of the concentration of quaternary ammonium compounds in sanitizing solutions. Functioning as a visual indicator, they change color based on the level of quats present, offering a semi-quantitative assessment of solution strength. For instance, dipping the strip into a prepared sanitizing solution will result in a color change that can be matched against a provided chart, indicating the parts per million (ppm) of quats.
Their utility stems from the critical need to maintain properly diluted sanitizing solutions in various settings, particularly those related to food safety and hygiene. Utilizing correctly diluted quat solutions ensures effective microbial reduction without leaving harmful residues on surfaces. Historically, ensuring proper dilution relied on volumetric measurements, which were often prone to human error. These devices provide a simple, cost-effective, and readily available method to verify sanitizing solution effectiveness, thereby contributing to enhanced sanitation protocols and reduced risk of foodborne illnesses.
