Cleaning and disinfecting hospital surfaces according to the level of infectious risk

Cleaning and disinfecting hospital surfaces: two different operations

The two stages, cleaning and disinfection, can be performed as separate processes or can be part of the same procedure. However, it should be remembered that disinfection cannot and should never replace cleaning, as residue contamination on a surface can contribute to the inefficiency of the subsequent disinfection process.

It is important to note that in sanitation operations, it is not necessary to create conditions of absolute asepsis, but in most cases, it is sufficient to ensure a controlled-risk situation—specifically, one that keeps the microbial load within hygienically acceptable limits.

Each environment has an optimal standard, which is a consequence of the intended use of the environment itself. The way the cleaning of an operating theater or an intensive care unit is performed differs greatly from that of hospital rooms, which in turn are different from common areas. KLINTENSIV® – Concentrated disinfectant detergent

What are the red zones with a risk of infection transmission in hospitals?

Hospital space is usually divided, for the purpose of proper hygiene management, into low, medium, and high-risk zones. Without prejudice to the inevitable structural differences from case to case and building to building, each of these zones includes types of rooms with similar characteristics and similar cleaning/sanitation methods.

In high-risk areas for infection, such as operating rooms, decontamination operations involve the use of disinfectant substances, and cleaning operations are carried out much more frequently than in other areas, so that patients can benefit from a massive, albeit temporary, reduction in microbial load.

For other areas, it is possible to ensure proper sanitation even without the use of disinfectants: for medium and low-risk zones, generally, proper cleaning is sufficient.

Hospital cleaning procedures

For cleaning hospital spaces, solutions and detergents will be used that are classified according to the surface requiring sanitation, while also taking into account the desired action: degreasing, descaling, removing dirt.

The chosen products must avoid damaging surfaces, be non-toxic, not release fumes or pose any risk to cleaning staff in any way, be removed by simple rinsing, and be biodegradable.

Hospital disinfection procedures

Disinfectants, on the other hand, should never be confused with detergents and must be kept in their original containers, never decanted, and properly stored. A disinfectant will act more effectively if used on a clean and dry surface; therefore, the cleaning procedure, performed with care, is always the first step. Among the other tools involved in the hospital sanitation process, cloths are undoubtedly notable, which can be single-use non-woven or paper, or recyclable cotton or microfiber cloths. All types of products used must comply with national and EU regulations in force and must be complete with a safety data sheet.

Disinfection in high-risk infectious wards

Studies have shown that hospital-acquired infections affect 2-7% of admitted patients, with higher rates at the surgical site, urinary tract, and respiratory tract.

The entire hospital staff must be aware of the risks associated with the spread of infectious agents among admitted patients and must implement appropriate measures for infection prevention and control at the highest possible level of efficacy. Adherence to correct care practices, the development of appropriate organizational structures, and the adoption of safe behaviors regarding health and hygiene are of crucial importance in this perspective.

Regarding the infection risks typical of seriously ill patients admitted to hospitals, it must be emphasized, first of all, how these patients show particular susceptibility to infections and how these infections can be supported by particularly aggressive biological agents, capable of causing extremely serious clinical pictures (pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, urinary infections, gastroenteritis, etc.). Therefore, they must be considered patients with high infectious risk, and control measures during the hospitalization period must be particularly careful. KLINTENSIV® 3-Amino – Concentrated surface disinfectant

Principles of cleaning and disinfection

• Any reusable equipment and accessories that come into contact with a patient must be disinfected between uses. The level of disinfection depends on the intended use.
• Any single-use item must be discarded immediately after use.
• Items used for the same patient may require cleaning and disinfection before reuse.
• Medical staff who use or transfer the item between patients are responsible for disinfecting the equipment.
• All reusable equipment must be cleaned immediately if it becomes visibly soiled.
• Product selection must include an assessment of ease of cleaning, such as smooth and waterproof surfaces, and material compatibility with the product.
• Adhesive labels should not be applied to patient care equipment because the adhesive side can harbor microorganisms and serve as a vehicle for cross-infection.

Non-critical items, such as thermometers, must be cleaned with a neutral solution and, if disinfection is necessary, a disinfectant approved by the Ministry of Health must be used. Medical disinfectants

Some equipment or parts thereof, especially electronic equipment such as monitors and keyboards, can be damaged by the use of certain chemical disinfectants, and the manufacturer's technical sheet must always be consulted before selecting a disinfectant for these items. One of the most important aspects regarding the effectiveness of a disinfectant is the contact time.