02/26/2026
Infection prevention is a team sport. Even with strong clinical protocols, everyday contact points can quietly fuel healthcare-associated infections if they are missed in routine cleaning.
Common high-touch surfaces in hospitals:
➡️ Bed rails and overbed tables
➡️Call buttons and remote controls
➡️ Door handles and light switches
➡️ IV pumps and monitor controls
➡️ Workstations on wheels, keyboards, and touchscreens
Some pathogens often linked to contaminated surfaces:
C. auris, MRSA, C. diff, VRE, norovirus, and Acinetobacter.
Here’s the challenge: these organisms can transfer from a surface to hands or gloves, then hitch a ride on gowns, mobile devices, stethoscopes, or shared equipment. From there, they can spread to nurses’ stations, medication areas, and the next patient space.
Practical ways to cut cross-contamination:
➡️Nail the moments for hand hygiene, especially after touching patient surroundings.
➡️Prioritise frequent cleaning of high-touch points, with clear ownership and checklists.
➡️Disinfect portable equipment between patients and between rooms.