How should contaminated surfaces be managed between patient encounters?

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Multiple Choice

How should contaminated surfaces be managed between patient encounters?

Between patient encounters, contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected to interrupt transmission of pathogens. Clean first to remove soil and organic matter, then apply an EPA-registered disinfectant according to the facility’s protocol and allow the surface to dry. This combination reduces bioburden and inactivates remaining microorganisms, helping protect the next patient. Relying on the next patient’s cleaning or using only water won’t reliably remove or kill pathogens, and leaving surfaces untouched creates a risk of cross-contamination.

Between patient encounters, contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected to interrupt transmission of pathogens. Clean first to remove soil and organic matter, then apply an EPA-registered disinfectant according to the facility’s protocol and allow the surface to dry. This combination reduces bioburden and inactivates remaining microorganisms, helping protect the next patient. Relying on the next patient’s cleaning or using only water won’t reliably remove or kill pathogens, and leaving surfaces untouched creates a risk of cross-contamination.

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