How often should healthcare surfaces be disinfected?

Healthcare surfaces should be disinfected frequently and after each patient encounter to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). This regular disinfection is critical because surfaces can harbor pathogens that are capable of spreading from one patient to another, especially in settings like hospitals and clinics where vulnerable individuals may be receiving care.

Once daily disinfection may not be sufficient, particularly in high-traffic areas or where procedures that could generate aerosols are performed. Only cleaning when surfaces are visibly dirty fails to account for the fact that many pathogens can be present even when a surface appears clean. Disinfecting every few days does not provide adequate protection, especially in environments where patients are being treated continuously, necessitating stringent infection control measures.

Thus, the correct approach is to ensure frequent disinfection of surfaces, particularly after contact with patients, to effectively reduce the risk of infection transmission and protect both patients and healthcare personnel.