How to Choose the Right OR Terminal Cleaning Service Provider 

How to Choose the Right OR Terminal Cleaning Service Provider 

Terminal cleaning in healthcare and surgical environments is indispensable to infection control strategies. This intensive cleaning process aims to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which can significantly impact patient recovery times, hospital costs, and overall patient outcomes. Choosing the right OR terminal cleaning service provider is crucial for maintaining a sterile and safe environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you should look for when contracting surgical environment terminal cleaning services for your facility.

1). Expertise in Healthcare Environments

Understanding Healthcare-Specific Needs

Terminal cleaning in healthcare settings requires an in-depth understanding of these environments’ unique challenges and requirements. Comprehensive training for cleaning staff should be mandatory, structured, targeted, and conducted before staff can work independently within the healthcare facility. Certified Surgical Cleaning Technicians are the first line of defense in protecting patients from infections. The chosen service provider should demonstrate the following:

• Experience in Healthcare Facilities: Look for a provider with a proven track record of cleaning various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Experience in these diverse environments ensures the provider understands the specific needs and challenges associated with different types of healthcare facilities.
• Knowledge of Infection Control Protocols: Effective terminal cleaning hinges on a deep understanding of infection control protocols. The service provider should be well-versed in guidelines from authoritative bodies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). They should also be capable of implementing these protocols to maintain a sterile environment and prevent cross-contamination.
• Expertise in Dealing with Infectious Diseases: The provider must have experience in environments where infectious diseases are prevalent. This expertise ensures they can handle high-risk areas and situations, adhering to stringent hygiene and safety standards to protect patients and staff from potential infection risks.

2). Comprehensive Terminal Cleaning Protocols

Detailed and Systematic Cleaning

Effective terminal cleaning goes beyond surface cleaning. It involves meticulous attention to detail and adherence to rigorous cleaning protocols, which should include:

• Differentiation Between Terminal and Turnover Cleaning: Understanding the distinction between terminal cleaning and turnover cleaning is crucial. Turnover cleaning focuses on quick disinfection of high-touch surfaces between patient appointments. In contrast, terminal cleaning is a thorough and deep cleaning process conducted when a patient is discharged or transferred. This ensures areas previously occupied by patients with infectious diseases are comprehensively disinfected to prevent HAIs.
• Use of EPA-Approved Disinfectants: The service provider should use EPA-approved disinfectants known for their efficacy against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These disinfectants should be applied according to manufacturer guidelines to ensure optimal effectiveness without damaging surfaces or equipment.
• Thorough Cleaning Checklists: Comprehensive checklists are essential for systematic cleaning. These checklists should cover all room aspects, including high-touch surfaces, floors, and bathroom fixtures. High-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, bed rails, and medical equipment should receive particular attention due to their potential for harboring pathogens.

3). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance

Ensuring Safety and Preventing Cross-Contamination

The significance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during terminal cleaning cannot be overstated. Your service provider should:

• Equip Their Staff with Appropriate PPE: Staff should be provided with all necessary PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. This equipment forms a critical barrier against infection, protecting the cleaning staff from exposure to infectious agents.
• Ensure Proper Donning and Doffing Procedures: Proper donning and doffing procedures are vital to minimize the risk of contamination. Staff should be trained in the correct sequence for putting on and taking off PPE to prevent accidental exposure to pathogens.
• Regularly Inspect and Replace PPE: PPE should be inspected for damage or wear and replaced as necessary. This ensures the protective barrier remains intact and effective throughout the cleaning process.

4). Tailored Cleaning Frequency and Scope

Adapting to Facility Needs

Each healthcare facility has unique needs based on patient turnover, the prevalence of infectious diseases, and specific operational challenges. Look for a service provider who:

• Customizes the Frequency and Scope of Cleaning: The provider should tailor their cleaning services to meet your facility’s requirements. This may involve more frequent cleaning in high-risk areas or during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
• Implements Scheduled Terminal Cleaning Protocols: Regular patient rooms may follow a scheduled terminal cleaning protocol to maintain a high standard of hygiene. In contrast, rooms occupied by patients with contagious conditions should undergo immediate terminal cleaning upon discharge or transfer.
• Maintains Flexibility: It is crucial to adapt to changing needs and emergencies. The service provider should be able to respond quickly to unexpected challenges, ensuring that your facility remains clean and safe at all times.

5). Staff Training and Compliance

Continuous Education and Monitoring

Training and adherence to the latest cleaning techniques and safety protocols are crucial for effective terminal cleaning. Ensure that the service provider:

• Provides Comprehensive Training for Their Staff: Training should cover all aspects of terminal cleaning, from the correct use of disinfectants to proper PPE protocols. This training ensures that staff can perform their duties safely and effectively.
• Keeps Up with the Latest Guidelines and Recommendations: The healthcare cleaning landscape continually evolves, with new guidelines and recommendations emerging regularly. The service provider should stay current with these changes, ensuring their cleaning practices reflect the latest best practices.
• Conducts Regular Audits and Inspections: Regular audits and inspections help ensure compliance with cleaning protocols and identify areas for improvement. These evaluations should be documented, with corrective actions implemented promptly to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

6). OR Terminal Cleaning Guidelines

Adhering to Stringent Standards 

Hospitals and operating rooms (ORs) require the highest level of cleanliness due to the critical nature of surgical procedures and the potential risk of post-surgical infections. Even the simplest inaction can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

This is especially true in the operating room, where patients are at greater risk due to invasive procedures. These procedures introduce blood and other bodily fluids into the environment, increase the risk of exposure to pathogens, and cause cross-contamination and infection.

When contaminated, high-touch items and other surfaces are missed or disinfected improperly. Every person who touches them next may transfer pathogens to every other surface, piece of equipment, and person they contact, infecting the entire OR suite. That’s why ensuring that your cleaning service provider adheres to stringent operating room protocols and standards is crucial for maintaining a sterile and safe environment.  

By implementing the following critical practices, OR terminal cleaning service providers can significantly reduce the risk of infection and ensure a safe surgical environment in your facility. 

1. Thorough Disinfection: Focus on disinfecting all high-touch surfaces, including surgical tables, lights, anesthesia machines, and other equipment. Use hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens.
2. Attention to Hidden Areas: Pay special attention to less obvious areas such as the undersides of tables, edges of equipment, and corners of the room. If not cleaned properly, these areas can harbor pathogens.
3. Proper Handling of Medical Waste: Ensure the correct disposal of medical waste, including used surgical instruments, linens, and other materials. This prevents cross-contamination and complies with waste management regulations.
4. Validation and Documentation: Implement regular checks and documentation to validate the effectiveness of the cleaning process. This includes using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) testing or other methods to measure cleanliness.
5. Training and Certification: Ensure the cleaning staff is adequately trained and certified in terminal cleaning procedures. Look for a provider with certifications and accreditations, such as the Association for Health Care Environment (AHE) and Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), and others that validate the provider’s adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
6. Regular Audits and Feedback: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with cleaning protocols. Provide feedback and additional training to staff as needed to maintain high standards.
7. Emergency Readiness: Establish protocols for rapid response to spills or contamination incidents. This ensures minimal disruption and maintains a sterile environment.

Why Choose Cleanstart as Your OR Terminal Cleaning Service Provider? 

At Cleanstart, we understand that proper disinfection techniques in the environment of care directly impact the rate of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient outcomes. We have completed AHE’s (Association for the Healthcare Environment) CSCT certification program. This program sets the highest standard for surgical environmental services technicians responsible for cleaning and disinfecting operating rooms—an intense, fast-paced, high-stakes environment. 

We provide our OR terminal cleaning technicians with ongoing training in the latest techniques and safety protocols. Additionally, as a certified OR terminal cleaning trainer, Cleanstart offers other interested cleaning professionals terminal cleaning training and certification.   

Trust Cleanstart to be your partner in maintaining the highest cleanliness and infection control standards.

• Our certified surgical cleaning technicians are the first line of defense in protecting patients from infections.
• Our comprehensive terminal cleaning services are designed to meet the rigorous demands of surgical environments and healthcare settings.
• We tailor our cleaning frequency and scope based on your facility’s needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive OR terminal cleaning services and request a free consultation and quote.