Cleaning and Disinfection Strategies for Clinical Contact Surfaces

Barrier protection on clinical contact surfaces are useful, especially if the surfaces are frequently touched by gloved hands during the delivery of patientcare or are difficult to clean. Suitable barrier protection includes impervious-backed paper, aluminum foil, and plastic or fluid-resistant covers.^1,2 Barrier protections are to be removed and discarded after each patient while still wearing gloves.¹ If a surface is visibly soiled, clean and disinfect; otherwise, after degloving and performing hand hygiene, place clean barriers before the next patient is seated.

If barriers are not used and the surface is not visibly soiled, first clean then disinfect with an EPA-Listed product that qualifies under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS‑CoV‑2.^7,8 If the surface is visibly soiled, first clean then disinfected with an EPA-Listed product that qualifies under EPA’s emerging viral pathogens program for use against SARS‑CoV‑2.^7,8