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Quaternary ammonia (QSan) test strips measure sanitizer concentration in parts per million (ppm). Target: 150-400 ppm.
What you need
- QSan test strips (in the white container above the 3-comp sink)
- Container of solution to test (3-comp sink compartment 3, prep station bucket, or dishwasher final rinse sample)
Procedure
- Dip a test strip into the sanitizer solution. Submerge fully for 10 seconds.
- Remove and shake off excess — do not blot.
- Compare to the color chart on the test strip container.
- Read the ppm value that matches the color of the strip.
- Log the reading on the food safety log: date, time, location tested, ppm value, initials.
Color reading reference
| Color |
Approx ppm |
| Pale yellow |
50 |
| Light orange |
150 |
| Medium orange |
200 |
| Dark orange |
400 |
| Red/brown |
500+ (too high) |
We want medium-to-dark orange (150-400 ppm).
If reading is low
- Add one more pump from the dispenser
- Stir
- Wait 30 seconds
- Retest
- If still low: water may be old, drain and refill
If reading is high
- Drain some water
- Add clean water
- Retest
When to test
- [ ] At the start of every shift (3-comp sink compartment 3)
- [ ] After every water change at the 3-comp sink
- [ ] Every 2 hours during active use of the 3-comp sink
- [ ] At every prep station's sanitizer bucket — at open, at change, at close
- [ ] Dishwasher final rinse — daily at open, after any service call
DOH note
Test strips are required by NYC code. We must have unexpired strips on site (check expiration on container). The log is what an inspector reviews to verify we test consistently.