5 High touch areas in clinics that must be disinfected daily.docx

Touched by nearly everyone throughout the day, these surfaces can quickly spread germs if not disinfected regularly.

1. 5 High-Touch Areas in Clinics That
Must Be Disinfected Daily
In clinics, high-touch areas requiring daily sanitisation include doorknobs, light
switches, bedrails, sink handles, phone receivers, call bells, IV poles, and bedside
tables. These surfaces are often touched by different people, increasing the risk of
pathogen transmission, making routine disinfection necessary for contamination
control. Research from the Centers for Disease Control shows that 80% of
infectious diseases spread through contaminated surfaces. High-touch areas easily
accumulate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. 

Keeping Patients Safe Starts with Proper Disinfection
Proper disinfection in a clinic is essential for patient and staff safety, preventing
the spread of Healthcare Associated Infections by reducing pathogens on surfaces
and medical equipment. Key activities include using EPA-registered, hospital-grade
disinfectants correctly according to manufacturer instructions, performing

2. cleaning from clean to dirty areas, and ensuring high-touch surfaces are
frequently disinfected. For disinfection and rescue patients and stuffs proper
cleaning required with the help of trusted Adelaide cleaning company. A
comprehensive approach to disinfection and sterilization is crucial for maintaining
a safe and sanitized clinic environment.  
Protecting Health Through Daily Cleaning Habits
Patient Areas: Disinfect examination tables, chairs, counters, and
frequently used medical equipment after every patient. 
Shared Devices: Daily wipe down phones, keyboards, and other shared
devices in the clinic. 
Common Areas: Pay special attention to door handles, light switches, and
reception desk surfaces. 
Floors: Wipe or vacuum and then mop floors daily to remove dirt and
potential allergens. 
Restrooms: Thoroughly clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, and faucets, and
ensure they are well-stocked with soap and paper products. 
Staff Areas: Wipe down surfaces in staff break rooms, such as benches and
microwaves, and do not leave dishes to accumulate. 
Trash Removal: Empty bins in all areas daily to prevent overflow and
maintain cleanliness. 
Supply Restocking: Regularly check and restock essential supplies like hand
sanitizer, soap, and paper towels. 
Use Appropriate Products: Employ EPA-registered disinfectants suitable for
healthcare settings and follow manufacturer guidelines for concentration
and contact time. 

3. Develop a Schedule: Implement a consistent cleaning schedule for all
clinic areas to ensure all tasks are completed daily. 
Proper Waste Disposal: Follow correct procedures for disposing of clinical
waste and ensure sharps containers are not overfilled. 
Hand Hygiene: Encourage staff to practice thorough hand hygiene by
washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers to remove
germ spread. 
Essential Spots that Should Never Overlook
Waiting Area: This area should be comfortable, clean, and well-ventilated,
providing sufficient seating and possibly entertainment or educational
materials to occupy patients.
Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are crucial for patients,
especially those with long waits or frequent needs.

4. Exam Rooms: These must be well-prepared and meticulously clean, with
staff following strict sterilization protocols for material and surfaces.
High-Touch Surfaces: Areas like door handles, reception desks, and chairs
need regular, thorough cleaning to prevent germ spread. 
Staff Areas: Efficient administrative processes and a positive, collaborative
team atmosphere are essential for smooth clinic operations. 
Ventilation Systems: Proper air quality is vital for protecting patients and
staff from airborne pathogens, making this a critical spot to maintain. 
Accessibility Features: Clinics should be designed with features like
wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms to accommodate disabled
visitors. 
Aesthetics and Design: The clinic's appearance from entry to the
examination room influences the patient's impression and can contribute to
their comfort and trust. 
Clear Communication: Effective communication between the entire clinical
team, including administration and practitioners, ensures everyone is
aligned on policies and patient care.
Where Germs Hide Most in Medical Settings
High-Touch Surfaces: Regularly touched items are major reservoirs for
germs, including phones, bed rails, tray tables, keyboards, light switches,
and door handles. 
Patient Care Equipment: Stethoscopes can harbor bacteria, and other
medical equipment can become contaminated during use. 
Privacy Curtains: These curtains can become contaminated with multidrug-
resistant organisms and are often overlooked. 

5. Mobile Devices: Mobile phones used by healthcare workers, especially in
intensive care units, are often covered in bacteria.
Environmental Surfaces: Floors in patient rooms and bathrooms, as well as
countertops, can also be sources of contamination. 
A Simple Guide to Maintaining a Germ-Free Clinic
To maintain a germ-free clinic, practice rigorous daily cleaning of high-touch
surfaces with EPA-registered disinfectants, conduct thorough cleaning of patient
care areas after each use, implement effective hand hygiene for staff and patients,
and establish protocols for waste disposal and reusable item sterilization. Provide
ongoing staff training on infection control, use color-coded cleaning tools to
prevent cross-contamination, and update cleaning procedures as needed. 
Daily Disinfection for a Healthier, Safer Practice
Gather Supplies: Ensure you have EPA-registered hospital-grade
disinfectants, cleaning cloths, soap, water, and appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves. 

6. Clean First, Then Disinfect: Use a detergent or soap and water to physically
remove dirt and organic material from surfaces before applying
disinfectant. 
Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Focus on areas and objects that are
frequently touched by staff and patients, including: Doorknobs and handles,
Light switches, Reception desks and counters, Examination tables and chair,
Restroom sinks and toilets, Shared equipment 
Follow Contact Time: After applying the disinfectant, let it sit on the surface
for the specific amount of time recommended by the manufacturer (the
contact time) to effectively kill microorganisms. 
Wipe or Air Dry: Some products require washing after the contact time,
while others can air dry. Follow the product label instructions carefully. 
Dispose of Waste Properly: Bag used cloths and other disposable materials
and dispose of them in designated waste containers. 
Clean in a Logical Order: Work from cleaner areas to dirtier areas to
prevent spreading germs. 
Product Selection: Use sanitisations with label claims for healthcare
settings to ensure they are effective against a broad spectrum of
pathogens. 
Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Always refer to the SDS for product-specific use
instructions and safety information. 
Electronics: Use disinfecting wipes specifically designed for electronics and
follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. 
Staff Training: Ensure all staff are trained on proper cleaning and
disinfection protocols to maintain a safe environment. 
Disinfect Right: The 5 Touchpoints That Matter Most
Here's a breakdown of key touchpoints area:
Entry & Waiting Areas 

7. Door handles and push plates: Frequently touched when entering and
exiting rooms.
Handrails: Found in corridors and waiting areas.
Light switches: High-traffic areas that need regular disinfection.
Reception desks, sign-in kiosks, and pens: Items handled by multiple people
at check-in.
Patient Rooms 
Bed frames and rails: Direct contact points for both patients and staff.
IV poles: Equipment used for patient care.
Bedside tables: Surfaces that come into contact with patients and their
belongings.
Blood pressure cuffs and other shared medical devices: Instruments that are
used across various patients.
Bathrooms 
Toilet flushes and sink taps: Integral fixtures that require consistent
cleaning.
Shared Equipment & Electronics 
Computers, keyboards, and phones: Devices used by multiple staff
members.

8. Conclusion: Creating a Cleaner, Healthier Environment for
Everyone
To create a cleaner, healthier environment involves developing eco-friendly habits
such as reducing waste through reusable items and proper recycling, conserving
natural resources like water, and choosing sustainable products and energy-
efficient appliances. Other impactful actions include planting trees, using eco-
friendly or DIY cleaning solutions, decreasing use of chemicals, supporting public
transportation, and raising awareness within your community.  
FAQ
1. What are “high-touch areas” in a clinic?
High-touch areas are surfaces or objects that are significantly touched by various
people throughout the day, such as door handles, light switches, reception
counters, and medical equipment.
2. What are the most common high-touch areas in clinics?

9. Door handles and light switches, Reception counters and waiting area chairs,
Examination tables and medical instruments, Computer keyboards and
touchscreens, Restroom fixtures and sink handles
3.  Who is responsible for disinfecting high-touch areas?
Generally, the cleaning staff handle this task, but all clinic stuffs should take part in
maintaining hygiene — for example, wiping down desks, phones, or keyboards
after use.
4. What disinfectants are recommended for clinic use?
Use EPA-registered or hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective against a
broad range of microorganisms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
contact time and dilution.
5. How often should these areas be cleaned and disinfected?
High-touch surfaces should be disinfected multiple times a day, especially during
peak hours or after contact with bodily fluids. A thorough cleaning at the end of
each day is essential.