本研究的目的是确定快速ATP分析是否可以在几分钟内估计细菌计数。出于质量控制目的，以及为了测试ATP和HPC测试的准确性，使用两种表观荧光法对水样中的细菌进行直接计数，这两种方法允许对细菌总数（死细菌和活细菌）和活细菌进行计数。水样来自当地、国家和国际地点，这些地点的选择基于实验室附近、合作供水设施以及作者的旅行。结果表明，ATP快速检测法是一种评价饮用水细菌质量的有效方法。

The purpose of this study was to determine if a rapid ATP assay would allow an estimate of the bacterial counts in minutes. For quality control purposes and also to test the accuracy of both the ATP and HPC test, a direct count of the bacteria in a water sample was done using two epifluorescence methods which allow a count of the total number of bacteria (dead and alive), and the alive bacteria. Water samples came from local, national and international locations which were selected based on proximity to the laboratory, cooperating water utilities, and the travel of the authors. Results show that the rapid ATP assay is a good and practical method to estimate the bacterial quality of drinking water.