Exam Room Disinfection Protocol
A systematic approach to exam room disinfection that protects patients, meets compliance requirements, and maintains consistent cleanliness in your Las Vegas medical office.
Exam room disinfection is the foundation of infection control in any medical office, clinic, or urgent care center. Unlike standard office cleaning, medical exam rooms require systematic protocols that address patient contact surfaces, proper dwell times for disinfectants, and documentation for compliance purposes.
The following protocol outlines our approach to exam room disinfection for medical office cleaning clients across Las Vegas. While specific procedures may vary based on your facility's requirements, these core principles guide our healthcare cleaning services.
Step-by-Step Disinfection Workflow
Gather Supplies & PPE
Before entering the exam room, gather all necessary supplies: hospital-grade disinfectant, color-coded microfiber cloths (designated for clinical areas), mop and bucket with clean solution, trash bags, and personal protective equipment including gloves.
Remove Waste & Soiled Items
Remove trash bags, soiled linens, and any disposable items. Replace trash liners immediately. This prevents cross-contamination during the cleaning process.
High-Touch Surface Disinfection
Apply hospital-grade disinfectant to all high-touch surfaces: exam table, door handles (both sides), light switches, counter surfaces, cabinet handles, chair arms, and any patient contact areas. Allow proper dwell time as specified by the disinfectant manufacturer (typically 1-10 minutes).
Equipment Surface Cleaning
Clean external surfaces of medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs, stethoscope holders, scale surfaces, and any mounted devices. Do not clean internal components or anything requiring clinical staff handling.
Work Top to Bottom
Clean remaining surfaces working from top to bottom: overhead lights and fixtures, wall-mounted items, counter surfaces, then lower surfaces. This ensures debris falls to areas not yet cleaned.
Floor Care
Mop floors with clean solution, working from the far corner toward the door. Pay attention to corners and areas under the exam table. Allow floor to dry before the room is used.
Final Inspection
Conduct visual inspection for missed areas, streaks, or debris. Verify all supplies are restocked and properly positioned. Document completion per your facility's protocol.
Turnover vs Terminal Cleaning
Medical offices require two types of exam room cleaning: quick turnovers between patients and comprehensive terminal cleaning at end of day.
Turnover Cleaning (Between Patients)
Typical time: 3-5 minutes
- Exam table paper replacement
- High-touch surface quick disinfection
- Visible soiling removal
- Trash check
- Quick restroom check if shared
Terminal Cleaning (End of Day)
Typical time: 15-25 minutes per room
- Complete high-touch surface disinfection with full dwell time
- All equipment surface cleaning
- Wall spot cleaning
- Full floor mopping
- Restocking and organization
- Documentation
Learn more about the differences in our guide to turnover vs terminal cleaning.
Understanding Dwell Time
Dwell time (the duration a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to be effective) is critical for proper disinfection. Wiping surfaces before the required dwell time significantly reduces disinfectant efficacy.
Factors Affecting Dwell Time Requirements
- Disinfectant type and EPA registration claims
- Target pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi)
- Surface material and porosity
- Facility-specific protocols or accreditation requirements
- Manufacturer specifications
Always follow manufacturer specifications and your facility's infection control policies.
High-Touch Surface Checklist
These surfaces require disinfection during every exam room cleaning, whether turnover or terminal.
For a comprehensive list organized by room type, see our high-touch surface disinfection guide.
Related Healthcare Cleaning Resources
Medical Office Cleaning
Complete healthcare facility cleaning services for clinics and medical offices.
High-Touch Surface Checklist
Comprehensive checklist organized by area for healthcare environments.
Turnover vs Terminal Cleaning
Understanding the difference between cleaning types in medical settings.
Questions About Your Facility's Cleaning Protocols?
We can assess your medical office and develop custom disinfection protocols tailored to your practice.