Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Surface disinfection: should we do it?

W A Rutala1, D J Weber

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Health Care System, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill 27514, USA.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|January 5, 2002
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Response to Dr Dancer.

The Journal of hospital infection·2024
Same author

Is detergent-only cleaning paired with chlorine disinfection the best approach for cleaning?

The Journal of hospital infection·2024
Same author

Correction to: Transamidase site-targeted agents alter the conformation of the transglutaminase cancer stem cell survival protein to reduce GTP binding activity and cancer stem cell survival.

Oncogene·2021
Same author

Comparing non-safety with safety device sharps injury incidence data from two different occupational surveillance systems.

The Journal of hospital infection·2017
Same author

Transamidase site-targeted agents alter the conformation of the transglutaminase cancer stem cell survival protein to reduce GTP binding activity and cancer stem cell survival.

Oncogene·2016
Same author

Clinical and molecular epidemiological features of tuberculosis after the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami.

The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·2016
Same journal

Status of Hand Hygiene Implementation Using Multimodal Strategy in Public Hospitals of Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Study.

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
Same journal

Diagnostic Stewardship for optimizing blood culture practices: A Systematic Review of clinical practice guidelines and evidence-based recommendations.

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
Same journal

Identification of risk factors for hospital-onset bacteremia to inform a routine data based risk prediction - an umbrella review.

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
Same journal

Healthcare-associated Infections in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Point-Prevalence Studies.

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
Same journal

Expression of concern: Postoperative serum amyloid A as a primary marker in a predictive model for ventilator-associated pneumonia in elderly patients with acute ischaemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy with general anaesthesia [Journal of Hospital Infection, pre-proof, available online 8 July 2025].

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
Same journal

Past lessons for the 2026 Bundibugyo virus outbreak: filovirus infection prevention in conflict-affected settings.

The Journal of hospital infection·2026
See all related articles

Disinfecting hospital non-critical surfaces, like floors, is debated but recommended. Regular cleaning and disinfection help prevent healthcare-associated infections from potential pathogen transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Hospital Hygiene
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern.
  • Non-critical surfaces, such as floors, have low direct risk for pathogen transmission.
  • The routine disinfection of these surfaces remains a topic of debate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review epidemiological and microbiological data on disinfectant use on non-critical surfaces.
  • To evaluate the role of non-critical surfaces in pathogen transmission within healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological studies.
  • Analysis of microbiological data concerning surface contamination.
  • Assessment of transmission pathways via non-critical surfaces.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • Non-critical surfaces are infrequently linked to direct patient infection transmission.
  • Healthcare personnel hand contamination is a potential transmission route from surfaces.
  • Patient contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment can also lead to transmission.

Conclusions:

  • While direct transmission from non-critical surfaces is uncommon, they can contribute to cross-transmission.
  • Regular cleaning and scheduled disinfection of non-critical surfaces are advised.
  • Effective disinfectant use is crucial for preventing HAIs.