What Are the Three Levels of Cleaning within the Healthcare Facility?

The 3 Levels of Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities

In a medical facility, cleanliness is a matter of health and safety. The spread of infections can have serious consequences for patients and staff alike. To prevent this, healthcare facilities follow a strict process known as decontamination, which involves three distinct levels of cleaning: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.

Understanding these three levels is crucial for maintaining a safe environment and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Cleaning Tech will explain each level in detail, outlining its purpose, process, and best practices. Whether you manage a hospital, clinic, or other medical facility, this information will help you ensure your cleaning protocols meet the highest standards.

An Overview of Decontamination in Healthcare

Decontamination is the comprehensive process of removing or neutralizing contaminants from people, objects, and areas. In a healthcare setting, this means eliminating pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi to make medical equipment and surfaces safe for use. 

This process is broken down into a hierarchy of three levels: cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. Each step builds upon the last, progressively reducing the microbial load to achieve the required level of safety for different items and areas.

The Importance of Effective Cleaning

Effective cleaning in a healthcare facility is the first line of defense against the spread of infection. It not only protects vulnerable patients but also ensures the safety of healthcare workers and visitors. Proper decontamination protocols reduce the risk of HAIs, which can lead to longer hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and serious health complications. By adhering to the three levels of cleaning, medical facilities can create a safer environment for everyone.

Level 1: Cleaning

The foundational step in the decontamination process is cleaning. This initial stage is essential for the success of the subsequent levels.

The primary purpose of cleaning is to remove all visible dirt, dust, organic matter, and other debris from surfaces and equipment. This is typically done by washing, wiping, or scrubbing with water and detergents. The goal is to physically remove contaminants rather than kill microorganisms. By removing this physical debris, the surface is prepared for more effective disinfection or sterilization, as organic matter can shield pathogens from chemical disinfectants.

• Always clean from the least soiled areas to the most soiled areas to avoid spreading contaminants.

• Use fresh cleaning cloths and solutions for each area to prevent cross-contamination.

• Follow manufacturer instructions for diluting detergents and cleaning agents.

• Ensure staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks.

Level 2: Disinfection

Once a surface or object has been thoroughly cleaned, the next level is disinfection. This step significantly reduces the number of harmful microorganisms.

Disinfection aims to kill most disease-causing microorganisms, though it may not eliminate all resilient bacterial spores. The process involves applying chemical disinfectants to surfaces or medical equipment. The choice of disinfectant and the contact time required for it to be effective are critical factors. Disinfection is vital for non-critical and semi-critical items that come into contact with intact skin or mucous membranes.

Disinfectants are categorized based on their effectiveness against different types of pathogens:

• Low-Level Disinfectants: Effective against most vegetative bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses. They are suitable for non-critical surfaces like floors, walls, and countertops.

• Intermediate-Level Disinfectants: Kill a wider range of bacteria (including tubercle bacilli), fungi, and viruses. They are used for non-critical items that have been contaminated with blood or body fluids.

• High-Level Disinfectants: Destroy all microorganisms except for high numbers of bacterial spores. This level is required for semi-critical items that touch mucous membranes, such as endoscopes and respiratory therapy equipment.

Level 3: Sterilization

Sterilization is the highest level of decontamination and is reserved for critical items that will enter sterile body tissues or the vascular system.

The purpose of sterilization is to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and highly resistant bacterial spores. This absolute level of cleanliness is necessary to prevent surgical site infections and other severe HAIs. Anything that penetrates the skin or enters a sterile part of the body must be sterilized.

Several methods are used to achieve sterilization, each suited for different types of materials and instruments:

• Autoclaving (Steam Sterilization): This is the most common method, using high-pressure saturated steam to kill microbes. It is effective, reliable, and non-toxic, making it ideal for heat-resistant surgical instruments.

• Chemical Sterilization: Uses chemical agents like ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, or peracetic acid. This method is used for items that are sensitive to heat and moisture.

• Dry Heat Sterilization: Involves using high temperatures in an oven-like chamber. It is suitable for items that can withstand high heat but might be damaged by moisture.

Schedule Your Expert Cleaning Program

Understanding and correctly implementing the three levels of cleaning are fundamental to safety in any healthcare facility. From basic cleaning to complete sterilization, each step plays a vital role in preventing the spread of infections and protecting patient and staff well-being.

Whether it is your medical care center or office building, you can hire our responsible team of experts to provide you with an exceptional and complete cleaning service. Cleaning Tech has been in the business for over 25 years, so you can only expect top-quality results from our work. Schedule your cleaning program with us and get your FREE estimate.

Get the rest you deserve, and let us handle all the cleaning that your property needs. Our services are available 24/7 for everyone’s convenience! Contact us today to learn more.