Improving environmental cleaning in operating theatre: Staff education based on adenosine triphosphate readings

摘要

In China, hospital cleaning is primarily assessed via visual inspection, which can be misleading. This prospective study was designed to establish a more suitable method of evaluating the cleanliness of surfaces in the operating theatre. Methods: The ATP luminescence method was designed to detect the environmental surface in operating theatre, including 12 specify areas and 3 random areas. The time point of ATP testing included before the first surgery, after the second surgery completed and room cleaned. Then ATP readings were considered pass, meaning well cleaned, or fail, meaning non- cleaned, according to the following criteria: <300 relative light units (RLU) or not. The head nurse performed the test and shared ATP readings immediately with cleaners. In addition, a monthly report and classroom education for cleaners were conducted.