KRINKO Recommendation 2022

    KRINKO 2022 – Surface Hygiene

    Key recommendations for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.

    The Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute publishes recommendations for infection prevention in healthcare.

    HospitalsCare facilitiesMedical practicesLaboratories
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    KRINKO 2022 – Surface Hygiene

    Principle

    Goal of surface hygiene

    KRINKO describes surface hygiene as an essential component of infection prevention.

    Infection source
    Contaminated surfaces
    Contact transmission
    Infection

    Surface disinfection interrupts infection chains

    Risk assessment

    Risk-based surface hygiene

    KRINKO recommends a risk-adapted approach.

    Patient-near contact surfaces

    Surfaces with frequent hand contact.

    Bed railsDoor handlesControl panelsBedside tables

    Medical devices

    Devices with patient contact.

    MonitorsIV standsExamination couches

    Sanitary areas

    Areas with increased contamination.

    WashbasinsToiletsShowersFittings

    Basics

    Difference between cleaning and disinfection

    Cleaning

    Removal of visible soiling. Reduces germ count.

    Disinfection

    Targeted reduction or inactivation of pathogens.

    Cleaning and disinfection complement each other. Thorough cleaning is a prerequisite for effective disinfection.

    Indications

    When surface disinfection is required

    Routine disinfection

    Patient-near contact surfaces in daily surface hygiene.

    Visible contamination

    With potentially infectious material.

    Outbreak situations

    When certain pathogens appear.

    Risk areas

    Areas with particularly vulnerable patients.

    Methods

    Application methods

    Preferred method

    Wipe disinfection

    KRINKO recommends wipe disinfection as the preferred method.

    • Even wetting of the surface
    • Mechanical cleaning effect
    • Controlled application
    Limited recommendation

    Spray disinfection

    Only recommended in certain situations.

    • • Consider aerosol formation
    • • Occupational safety measures required
    • • No even wetting

    Disinfectants

    Requirements for disinfectants

    Adequate spectrum

    Efficacy against relevant pathogens.

    Material compatibility

    Suitable for medical surfaces.

    User safety

    Staff protection.

    Practical applicability

    Easy integration into daily routine.

    Quality assurance

    Verification of hygiene processes

    KRINKO recommends regular controls.

    Visual inspection

    Visual check of cleaned surfaces.

    ATP measurement

    Quantitative measurement of biological residues.

    CleanCard

    Simple rapid tests.

    Bioindicators

    Specific verification of disinfection effect.

    Monitoring improves the transparency of hygiene processes.

    System approach

    Surface hygiene as an integrated system

    KRINKO emphasises the importance of a systematic approach.

    DesiMops

    KRINKO-compliant wipe disinfection – ready to use, precisely dosed and process-safe.

    All products

    Discover the CleaningBox system for structured surface hygiene per KRINKO 2022.

    Implement KRINKO-compliant surface hygiene

    Learn how the CleaningBox system supports implementation of KRINKO recommendations.

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