Hygiena 2026, 71(3):108-109 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1928

Disinfection of contact surfaces in hospitals – why simply "wiping" a surface is not enough

Eva Drugová
HARTMANN - RICO, s. r. o., Bratislava, Slovenská republika

Contact surfaces in hospitals represent a significant source of microorganism transmission; therefore, their regular and thorough disinfection is crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections. However, studies show that often only a fraction of surfaces are disinfected correctly, whereas staff training, regular monitoring, and feedback can significantly improve compliance with procedures. The quality of disinfection can be verified using microbiological sampling, ATP tests, fluorescent markers, or direct observation, with adherence to the product's required contact time being equally important. Simple and effective solutions, such as disinfectant wipes with short contact times, can promote proper hygiene practices and enhance safety for both patients and healthcare staff.

Keywords: disinfection, hospital, hospital hygiene

Received: July 2026; Accepted: September 2026; Published: September 2026  Show citation

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Drugová E. Disinfection of contact surfaces in hospitals – why simply "wiping" a surface is not enough. Hygiena. 2026;71(3):108-109. doi: 10.21101/hygiena.a1928.
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