High-Touch Surface Disinfection Checklist

A comprehensive guide to identifying and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in medical offices, dental practices, and healthcare facilities across Las Vegas.

Area-by-Area Checklist
Frequency Guidelines
Healthcare Focused

High-touch surfaces are the primary vectors for pathogen transmission in healthcare environments. These frequently contacted areas like door handles, light switches, exam tables, and patient contact points require systematic disinfection to protect both patients and staff.

This checklist provides a comprehensive reference for medical office cleaning protocols. Use it to audit your current procedures or as a training reference for cleaning staff.

Checklist by Area

Waiting Room & Reception

Multiple times daily + terminal
Reception desk counter
Sign-in clipboard or tablet
Check-in kiosk screens
Pen holders and pens
Chair armrests
Side tables
Magazine rack handles
Door handles (entry and interior)
Light switches
Restroom door handles
Water fountain buttons
Vending machine buttons

Exam Rooms

Between patients + terminal
Exam table surface and controls
Exam table stirrups (if applicable)
Door handles (interior and exterior)
Light switches
Counter surfaces
Cabinet and drawer handles
Chair armrests
Blood pressure cuff holder
Stethoscope holder
Scale platform and handles
Wall-mounted equipment surfaces
Computer keyboard and mouse
Phone handset

Restrooms

Multiple times daily + terminal
Door handles (interior and exterior)
Light switches
Toilet flush handles
Toilet seat
Sink faucet handles
Soap dispenser
Paper towel dispenser
Grab bars
Baby changing station
Trash receptacle lid
Mirror edges (if touched)
Privacy lock

Staff Break Room

Daily + as needed
Door handles
Light switches
Refrigerator handle
Microwave buttons and handle
Coffee maker controls
Sink faucet handles
Counter surfaces
Table surfaces
Chair armrests
Vending machine buttons
Trash receptacle lid
Cabinet handles

Administrative Areas

Daily
Door handles
Light switches
Shared computer keyboards and mice
Phone handsets
Printer/copier buttons
File cabinet handles
Desk surfaces (shared workstations)
Chair armrests
Conference table
Whiteboard markers and erasers

Hallways & Common Areas

Multiple times daily
Door handles throughout
Light switches
Handrails
Elevator buttons
Stairwell door push bars
Thermostat controls
Emergency exit door handles
Water fountain buttons
Shared equipment surfaces

Disinfection Frequency Guidelines

Not all high-touch surfaces require the same attention frequency. Match your disinfection schedule to risk level and traffic patterns.

Every Patient Contact (Turnover)

Examples: Exam tables, patient chairs, directly touched equipment surfaces

Rationale: Prevents cross-contamination between patients

Multiple Times Daily

Examples: Reception areas, restrooms, waiting room chairs, common area touchpoints

Rationale: High-traffic areas require frequent attention

Daily (Terminal Cleaning)

Examples: All surfaces with extended dwell time, thorough coverage

Rationale: Comprehensive end-of-day disinfection

Weekly Deep Clean

Examples: Less frequently touched surfaces, behind equipment, wall switches

Rationale: Maintains overall facility hygiene

Disinfectant Requirements

Effective high-touch surface disinfection requires appropriate products. Ensure your disinfectants meet these criteria:

  • EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant
  • Broad-spectrum efficacy (bacteria, viruses, fungi)
  • Appropriate for healthcare environments
  • Compatible with surface materials
  • Documented dwell time specifications
  • Safety Data Sheet available

Dwell Time Reminder: Always allow the full manufacturer-specified contact time before wiping surfaces. Premature wiping significantly reduces disinfection efficacy. Learn more in our exam room disinfection protocol.

Need Help With Your Disinfection Protocols?

We can assess your medical office and implement comprehensive high-touch surface disinfection programs.