Disinfection in clinics, hospitals, and health centers is not just a cleaning task, but a critical process that guarantees the safety of patients, medical staff, and visitors. In an environment where the risk of infection transmission is high, following standardized protocols is essential to prevent outbreaks and protect public health.
In our previous article on how automation is implemented in cleaning services, we explored how technology can optimize processes, reduce human error, and improve efficiency in sanitizing spaces.
Now, we take a step further to address the core of infection control: disinfection protocols, which combine manual procedures, the use of specific products, and increasingly, automated tools to ensure consistent and measurable results.
This article aims to provide a clear and structured guide on how areas are classified according to risk, what methods and products should be applied, and how to maintain strict control to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
Area Classification by Risk
Not all areas in a healthcare facility require the same level of disinfection. To optimize resources and ensure maximum effectiveness, areas are classified by risk level, allowing the definition of frequency, products, and appropriate procedures for each space.
Here is a classification to help you identify where cleaning services are most frequently required in Monterrey:
High-Risk Areas Operating rooms, intensive care units, isolation rooms, and invasive procedure areas. The possibility of direct contact with bodily fluids or immunocompromised patients requires strict protocols, multiple disinfections per day, use of high-level disinfectants, and continuous environmental control.
Medium-Risk Areas Hospital rooms, medical offices, minor procedure rooms, and diagnostic areas. Although the risk is lower than in critical zones, frequent patient contact requires cleaning and disinfection at least twice a day, as well as after any contamination incident.
Low-Risk Areas Administrative spaces, hallways, cafeterias, and waiting rooms. Although they are not direct care zones, they can become transmission points due to high foot traffic. Daily cleaning and spot disinfection—especially on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, switches, and desks—are recommended.
Types of Cleaning and Disinfection
Disinfection in healthcare settings is not limited to a single action but adapts to each area’s function and needs. Different procedures are applied strategically to ensure effective microorganism control and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
According to cleaning services experience in Guadalajara, the most important include:
Routine Cleaning Removal of dirt, dust, and organic matter with neutral detergents and water. Applied in all areas as defined by risk level. It is the essential preliminary step for disinfectants to be effective.
Intermediate Disinfection Chemical products with broad-spectrum activity to eliminate most pathogenic microorganisms (except some bacterial spores). Ideal for frequently touched surfaces, medical equipment, and common-use furniture.
Concurrent Disinfection Performed while the patient remains in the facility. Its goal is to minimize pathogen spread during hospitalization. Includes immediate cleaning of spills, contaminated bed linen replacement, and equipment disinfection after each use.
Terminal Disinfection Applied when a patient is discharged, transferred, or deceased. Involves deep cleaning of walls, floors, furniture, and equipment, as well as replacement of textile elements. Prepares the area for safe use by a new patient.
Recommended Products and Methods
The right product and method of application are fundamental for effective disinfection. They must comply with national and international standards, be safe for staff and patients, and be suitable for each surface and risk level.
Most commonly used disinfectants:
Sodium hypochlorite
Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Application methods:
Microfiber or disposable cloths
Controlled spraying
Nebulization
Autoclave sterilization
Disinfection Frequency
Disinfection frequency depends on the risk level of the area, type of activity, and circulation of people. A well-defined schedule prevents pathogen accumulation and ensures safety at all times.
High-Risk Areas
Frequency: Several times per day and always after each procedure.
Reason: High exposure to bodily fluids, invasive equipment, or immunocompromised patients.
Medium-Risk Areas
Frequency: At least twice a day, reinforced after procedures or incidents.
Reason: Frequent patient contact, but lower direct exposure than critical areas.
Low-Risk Areas
Frequency: Once a day, with spot cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Reason: Lower direct risk but high people traffic.
Supervision and Control
The effectiveness of disinfection protocols depends not only on their correct formulation but also on strict monitoring and compliance. Proper supervision ensures tasks are done correctly, at the right time, and with the right products—minimizing errors or oversights.
Control measures include:
Logs and records
Periodic inspections
Performance indicators
Training and feedback
Maintaining clear, consistent, and supervised disinfection protocols is the foundation for ensuring safe and risk-free healthcare environments.
At QuickShine, we believe prevention is the best tool to protect lives.
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