Study assesses cleaning of different surface types in the OR

Editor's Note

This study finds that irregularly shaped OR surfaces may require enhanced covering, cleaning, and monitoring protocols, compared to more regularly shaped surfaces.

Researchers coupled ATP assays with traditional RODAC plate sampling and mass spectrometry to evaluate cleaning of five types of high-touch surfaces in the OR. 

Whether surfaces tested cleaner after turnover than before depended on the type of surface. Before and after cleaning, flat covered surfaces (mattresses and side tables) were more likely to pass as “clean” by ATP assay than uncovered irregularly shaped surfaces (overhead lights, door handles, and anesthesia keyboards). After cleaning, irregularly shaped surfaces were more likely to pass by RODAC than by ATP assay.

The researchers recommend that disposable covers be used on irregularly shaped high-touch surfaces in the OR.