- Terminal cleaning
Terminal Cleaning describes a cleaning method used in healthcare environments to control the spread of infections.
Justification
Nosocomial infections claim approximately 90,000 lives in the United States annually. When patients are hospitalized and identified as having
MRSA or infections that can be spread to other patients, best practices isolate these patients in rooms that are subjected to terminal cleaning when the patient is discharged.Procedure
Terminal cleaning methods vary, but usually include removing all detachable objects in the room, cleaning lighting and air duct surfaces in the ceiling, and cleaning everything downward to the floor. Items removed from the room are disinfected or sanitized before being returned to the room.
See also
*
Nosocomial infection
*MRSA
*Pseudomonas aeruginosaExternal links
* Very brief terminal cleaning procedure [http://64.78.42.182/sweethaven/MedTech/Surgery/coursemain.asp?whichMod=module0205]
* Overview of when, what and how long to conduct terminal cleaning per North Carolina guidelines [http://www.unc.edu/depts/spice/guide2.html]
* U.S. Military Aseptic Practices [http://www.brooksidepress.org/Products/OperationalMedicine/DATA/operationalmed/Manuals/HM32/Chapter05/Chapter05.htm#ch05s]
* Use of Nonflammable Alcohols for Terminal Cleaning in Healthcare [http://www.sanisys.com]
* Surface Sanitizing for Hospital, School, Workplace and Municipal facilities [http://www.environmist.com]
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