A study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice has found that environmental contamination levels in veterinary practices can be substantially reduced through the use of standardised cleaning protocols, staff training and routine hygiene monitoring.
The research measured surface contamination in 13 small animal practices using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing before and after a structured intervention. Samples were taken from a wide range of areas, including reception, consulting rooms, preparation and diagnostic areas, wards, theatres, laboratories, kitchens and staff areas.
Before the intervention, average contamination levels across practices were 14.7 times higher than recommended thresholds. Following a 45-minute staff training session and the introduction of a standardised cleaning protocol, contamination levels decreased by 61% within 70 days. Further testing carried out at a mean of 128 days in a smaller number of practices showed a 71% reduction compared with baseline levels.
The cleaning protocol involved the removal of biofilms using a degreasing agent, followed by routine cleaning with a veterinary disinfectant cleaner and the fogging application of a certified disinfectant. The greatest reductions were observed on high-touch surfaces such as door handles, keyboards and kettles, where contamination levels fell by around 80%. General surfaces showed a reduction of 56%.
The study did not directly assess infection rates. However, the authors note that reductions in ATP levels in human healthcare settings have been associated with lower rates of healthcare-associated infections.
Dr Neil Forbes, author of the study, said: “Once identified, most hygiene issues are readily addressed. Reservoirs of contamination, or indications of poor working practices, once detected, can be resolved. Longitudinal studies in human hospitals demonstrate that ATP reduction correlates with decreased nosocomial infection rates, ranging from 45–75% over 18 months to 5 years.”
The study recommends that practices appoint an Infection Control Champion, implement routine (ideally monthly) ATP testing, raise awareness with the whole team about infection sources, transmission routes, and risk management, and use two-step sanitation comprising cleaning followed by disinfection.
Read the full study here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70078.