Pilot study to measure cleaning effectiveness in health care

• Published in: American journal of infection control Vol. 40; no. 5; pp. 477 - 478
• Main Authors: Gillespie, Elizabeth E., BN, RM, CICP, MPubHlth(Melb), Scott, Carmel, RN, CICP, Wilson, Jill, RN, CICP, Stuart, Rhonda, PhD, FRACP
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.06.2012; Elsevier; Mosby-Year Book, Inc
• Subjects: Adenosine triphosphatase; Bioburden; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical environment; Cross Infection - prevention & control; Disinfection - methods; Disinfection - standards; Environmental Microbiology; Environmental surfaces; Epidemiology. Vaccinations; General aspects; Health care; Health Facilities; Health Services Research; Housekeeping, Hospital - methods; Housekeeping, Hospital - standards; Human infectious diseases. Experimental studies and models; Humans; Infection Control; Infectious Disease; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Nosocomial; Pathogens; Australia; Environmental surfaces; Bioburden; Clinical environment; Nosocomial; Prevention; Nosocomial infection; Check; Environment; Cleaning
• ISSN: 0196-6553; 1527-3296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2011.06.010

Environmental surfaces are likely to contribute to the transmission of health care–associated pathogens. The present study aimed to determine the most effective regimen or product for removing bioburden. An adenosine triphosphate assessment technique was used to compare cleaning methods and products for removing bioburden from soiled surfaces. Of the regimens or products tested, 2-step cleaning most thoroughly removed bioburden. The 2-in-1 products were no more effective in removing bioburden than a 1-step clean using a neutral detergent.