Effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection: evaluation methods.

Objective: To discuss the methods employed to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical surface cleaning and disinfection (C&D).

Method: This is a theoretical reflection based on scientific studies and the experience of the authors. Knowledge and current gaps, the need for further studies, and practical application of the methods were approached.

Efficiency of cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: correlation between assessment methods.

Objective: to assess the correlation among the ATP-bioluminescence assay, visual inspection and microbiological culture in monitoring the efficiency of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) of high-touch clinical surfaces (HTCS) in a walk-in emergency care unit.

Method: a prospective and comparative study was carried out from March to June 2015, in which five HTCS were sampled before and after C&D by means of the three methods. The HTCS were considered dirty when dust, waste, humidity and stains were detected in visual inspection; when ≥2.