Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

Environmental surfaces can become a link in indirect contact transmission. A patient touches a contaminated bed rail or call light, a nurse touches the same surface, and microorganisms can then move to another surface, device, or patient if hand hygiene and cleaning processes fail. High-touch surfaces deserve particular attention because they are repeatedly handled throughout care. Bed rails, call lights, bedside tables, door handles, light switches, IV poles, and shared equipment may be contaminated many times between scheduled room cleaning. A surface does not need to look dirty to carry microorganisms. Cleaning and disinfection interrupt different parts of the problem. Cleaning removes soil and organic material. Disinfection uses an approved chemical product to inactivate microorganisms remaining on the surface. If dried blood, drainage, stool, or other soil is present, it can shield organisms from the disinfectant. Removing visible soil first allows the product to reach the surface effectively. Hand hygiene remains necessary after contact with the patient environment. Gloves reduce exposure to contamination but do not make contaminated gloves safe to use on a clean surface, device, or computer keyboard.