The role of ultraviolet marker assessments in demonstrating cleaning efficacy.

Cleaning standards measuring compliance using visual auditing alone can be misleading, because visually clean surfaces might not be cleaned of pathogens. An evidence-based system using both visual auditing and ultraviolet marker (UVM) assessments is recommended. Using a UVM system has enabled our health service to measure infection risk and implement actions to improve results.

Microfiber and steam for environmental cleaning during an outbreak.

We report an outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis occurring concurrently over two wards. Environmental cleaning was managed using two different methodologies: one ward utilized the traditional 2-step method, the other using microfiber-steam technology. Environmental cleaning using the microfiber-steam technology proved to be an effective and efficient cleaning methodology, appropriate for use during an outbreak situation.

Environment cleaning without chemicals in clinical settings.

Effective cleaning of elements in the health care environment has a crucial role in reducing the risk of health care-acquired infection. We assessed ultramicrofiber cloth and steam technology in 2 clinical settings. This new technology performed extremely well.