The role of ultraviolet marker assessments in demonstrating cleaning efficacy

Elizabeth Gillespie; P Louise Wright; Kylie Snook; Susan Ryan; Susan Vandergraaf; Mardi Abernethy; Anita Lovegrove

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2015.07.025

The role of ultraviolet marker assessments in demonstrating cleaning efficacy

Am J Infect Control. 2015 Dec 1;43(12):1347-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.07.025.

Authors

Elizabeth Gillespie¹, P Louise Wright², Kylie Snook², Susan Ryan², Susan Vandergraaf², Mardi Abernethy², Anita Lovegrove²

Affiliations

¹ Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Infection Control and Epidemiology Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

PMID: 26654236
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.07.025

Abstract

Cleaning standards measuring compliance using visual auditing alone can be misleading, because visually clean surfaces might not be cleaned of pathogens. An evidence-based system using both visual auditing and ultraviolet marker (UVM) assessments is recommended. Using a UVM system has enabled our health service to measure infection risk and implement actions to improve results. We recommend adopting a combined monitoring process using visual auditing with UVM audits to enhance cleaning and reduce the risk of health care-associated infection.

Keywords: Cleaning; Environmental cleaning; Ultraviolet marker assessment.

MeSH terms

Disinfection / methods*
Disinfection / standards*
Environmental Microbiology*
Environmental Monitoring / methods*
Health Facilities*
Humans
Quality Control