Borders General Hospital in Melrose, Scotland, was ordered to tighten infection control after blood was found on mops and footwear, according to an article on the Herald Scotland website.
The Healthcare Environment Inspectorate (HEI) said standards need to improve in order to reduce the risk of infection among patients and medical staff.
Officers witnessed surgeons with blood-contaminated boots in a corridor following a surgical procedure and dirty mop poles were not being decontaminated between procedures.
Inspectors noted that mop poles in each theatre were "significantly" contaminated with blood and body fluids and were not being stored appropriately.