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 spread to other patients, best practices isolate these patients in rooms that are subjected to terminal cleaing when the patient is discharged.

Procedure
Methods vary but usually include the removal of all detachable objects in the room, cleaning of lighting and air duct surfaces in the ceiling and everything downward to the floor. Items removed from the room are disinfected or sanitized before being returned to the room.