Terminal cleaning

Terminal Cleaning

Terminal cleaning is a thorough and detailed cleaning process that takes place in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This process is performed to reduce the risk of infection by eliminating pathogens and microorganisms that may have accumulated on surfaces.

Overview

Terminal cleaning is typically performed in patient care areas after the patient has been discharged or transferred, with the goal of preparing the room for the next patient. This process is crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), Clostridium difficile (C. diff), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Process

The process of terminal cleaning involves several steps. First, all removable items are taken out of the room to be cleaned or discarded. Next, the room is cleaned from top to bottom, with special attention given to high-touch areas such as bedrails, doorknobs, and light switches. After cleaning, the room is disinfected using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant.

Importance

Terminal cleaning plays a vital role in infection control within healthcare settings. By thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting patient care areas, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the risk of patients acquiring healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Challenges

Despite its importance, terminal cleaning can be challenging to implement effectively. Challenges can include time constraints, inadequate training of cleaning staff, and the difficulty of ensuring that all surfaces have been adequately cleaned and disinfected.

See also

• Infection control
• Healthcare-associated infection
• Disinfectant
• Environmental cleaning

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