Only 25 percent of high-touch objects are being cleaned properly in healthcare facilities, according to an article on the Becker's Infection Control and Clinical Quality website.
Some high-touch surfaces in the OR include the anesthesia computer mouse, OR bed, nurse computer mouse, OR door and the anesthesia medical cart.
Research has shown harmful pathogens can survive on surfaces for months.
The first of four essential elements of a cleaning program is monitoring the thoroughness of cleaning, providing feedback and reporting the outcomes, the article said.