Reducing cross-contamination risk

Healthcare facilities have to be especially vigilant in controlling germs, as cross-contamination can put staff and patients at increased risk, according to an article on the CleanLink website.

Environmental cleaning specialists offered the following three tips to help control healthcare associated infections:

• Always use the right cleaning and sanitation supplies. First, the environmental services staff needs to know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, then they need the right tools for each job. A combination of clean water, a commercial detergent and a microfiber cloth is ideal for basic surface cleaning. 

Once a surface or an item has been cleaned, it can then be disinfected. Healthcare facilities must use hospital-grade disinfectants 

Keeping alcohol based hand sanitizer available throughout a healthcare facility is crucial.

• Regular cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting help control viruses. High-touch surfaces require more frequent and thorough cleaning.

Read the article.