Why You Need Hospital-grade Disinfectants in Your ASC

Regulations have long required healthcare organizations to use appropriate, hospital-grade disinfectants to clean healthcare facilities. However, patients and their caregivers are growing curious about the steps healthcare facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and off-site care facilities take to keep them safe.

What Is a Hospital-Grade Disinfectant?

Disinfectants must meet specific standards to be considered hospital-grade. At a minimum, a hospital-grade disinfectant must be effective against the following pathogens:

1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
2. Staphylococcus aureus.
3. Salmonella choleraesuis.

Many modern disinfectants also have effective statement reports you can consult. These reports describe the products’ efficacy against harmful pathogens such as MRSA, biological agents resistant to antibiotics, and viral pathogens.

Why Do ASCs Need Hospital-Grade Disinfectants?

Keeping patients safe and meeting regulatory standards are always the main goals. However, it’s also essential for ASCs to determine which hospital-grade disinfectants to use and how individuals should use them based on their specific setting. Many ambulatory centers and medical office buildings exist, and they treat patients with varying acuity levels.

At the same time, ASCs remain a staple in healthcare and are growing in popularity. The attraction for patients seeking care is undeniable since ASCs are often more accessible and affordable than acute care settings. Additionally, certain states no longer require ASCs to admit and discharge patients on the same day. This shift may open the door for ASCs to receive high-acuity patients, thus requiring different cleanliness levels than a standard off-site physician office. Hospital-grade disinfectants can provide the necessary cleanliness solutions to maintain safety in ASCs.

How Should ASCs Use Hospital-Grade Disinfectants?

While infection prevention and safety should be the top priorities in any environment that treats patients, an increasing preference for and reliance on ASCs necessitates that these settings use the best hospital-grade disinfectants and adjunct cleaning technologies available on the market. ASCs should use these disinfectants the same way that professionals use them in acute care spaces.

Ambulatory environmental services teams should use hospital-grade disinfectants to move systematically from cleaner to dirtier surfaces and from top to bottom. Associates should clean infrequently touched surfaces before moving to frequently touched surfaces to avoid spreading dirt or microorganisms.

Likewise, associates should move from top to bottom to make sure dirt or microorganisms don’t drip or fall and contaminate cleaned areas. Cleaning each space following a standard, systematic process ensures that hospital-grade disinfectants get the job done.

Hospital-grade disinfectants are a powerful tool for keeping ASCs safe and clean. ASCs that implement cleaning protocols not well-considered for their specific setting risk exposing patients and staff to contagious diseases. Expert organizations such as Crothall can consult with your ASC to discuss the best product for your setting. Partnering with experts will ensure you are doing more than meeting the standards. You’re creating a safe, clean environment for your clinicians and the patients they serve.